Once you bring your baby home, you can give them a sponge bath. You can clean their head, body, and diaper area. This is the safest way to bathe your baby until their umbilical cord falls off. Once the cord has fallen off on its own, you can begin bathing your baby by submerging their body in a shallow bath.
What happens if you give a newborn a bath with umbilical cord?
It’s fine to give your baby a bath before his umbilical cord stump has fallen off and healed (Blume-Peytavi et al 2016). Bathing your baby won’t make an infection in the stump more likely (Blume-Peytavi et al 2016). Just be sure that you allow it to dry off properly afterwards.
How long after umbilical cord falls off Can I bathe baby?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends sticking to sponge baths for the first week or two until the umbilical cord stump falls off and the belly button heals. Choose a time of day when your baby is awake and a place that is comfortable for you and safe for your baby.
When should a newborn have his first bath?
After the umbilical cord stump has dried up, fallen off, and healed completely, you are free to bathe your newborn for the first time! It is best to use the sink or a baby bathtub instead of the regular tub. Our Whale Bubble Bath Inflatable Bath Tub™ is great for littles who can sit.
Can you cover umbilical cord with diaper?
Keep the front of your baby’s diaper folded down to avoid covering the stump. Stick with sponge baths. While there’s no harm in getting the stump wet, sponge baths might make it easier to keep the stump dry.
Can I put lotion on my newborn?
Using Lotion on Newborns
Using a moisturizing lotion on your newborn is okay and safe to use in place of baby oil unless otherwise directed by your pediatrician. Do keep in mind the type of lotion that you’re using. Use a lotion that has been formulated with a baby’s sensitive nature in mind.
How do you clean a newborn’s tongue?
To clean your baby’s tongue and gums correctly, you should:
- Make a habit of cleaning after feeding.
- Gently cradle your baby in one arm during the cleaning.
- Use a damp gauze or washcloth, or a silicone baby tongue cleaner.
- Gently massage their gums, tongue, and inner cheeks.
Do babies feel pain when umbilical cord falls off?
Shortly after birth, it will be clamped and cut off. There are no nerve endings in your baby’s cord, so it doesn’t hurt when it is cut.
Normal Navel Care:
- Keep the navel (belly button) clean and dry.
- If there are any secretions, clean them away. Use a wet cotton swab. Then, dry carefully.
- Do this gently to prevent any bleeding.
- Caution: Don’t use any rubbing alcohol. Reason: can interfere with healing.
How long can a newborn go without a bath?
The World Health Organization recommends delaying the first bath until at least 24 hours after birth. Others suggest waiting up to 48 hours or more. Once your baby is home, there’s no actual need to bathe daily. Until the umbilical cord is healed, the AAP recommends you stick to sponge baths.
Should I wash my baby’s face everyday?
You don’t need to bathe your baby every day, but you should wash their face, neck, hands and bottom carefully every day. This is often called ‘topping and tailing’. Choose a time when your baby is awake and content. Make sure the room is warm.