Care needed while bathing new-born

DUBAI - Bathing your newborn baby can be an exciting and scary experience during the first few weeks of life.

By (Staff reporter)

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Published: Sat 13 Nov 2010, 10:27 PM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 3:58 PM

Most babies are very fragile and quite slippery when wet, which can make baby bath time a bit intimidating, particularly during the first week or two, according to Dr Betty John, Consultant Gynecologist and Obstetrician, Zulekha Hospital.

During the first one to two weeks of life, your baby will not need an actual ‘bath’ until their umbilical stump falls off, she said.

“For most newborns this occurs right around age 10 days. Until then it is fine for you to sponge bath your newborn with a moistened washcloth,” said the doctor. Take care to wipe off your baby’s face and hands, and clean your baby’s genital area thoroughly each time you change their diaper, she added.

Bathing a newborn can be tricky at first. “Babies are very slippery and like to wiggle about when wet and soapy. For this reason it is a good idea not to bring your baby into the shower with you until you are comfortable with them so that you are calm enough to get a good grip on them and avoid slipping or even dropping them,” she advises. According to Dr Betty, it is important that baby is never left alone unsupervised while in the tub even when they are able to sit up. Other baby bathing safety tips include: Make sure the water heater in your home is set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer water could result in severe third degree burns to your child.


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