For the first nine months, the baby's natural environment in its mother's belly is water. It is therefore no surprise that all newborns love bathing and it is one of the most pleasant daily rituals that parents subject their newborn babies to.
During fetal life, the human embryo and then the foetus are constantly 'bathing'. The amniotic bladder that surrounds the baby is filled with amniotic fluid, which is the ideal environment for the development of the little human being. Its composition provides the right protection for the developing baby's skin. Newborns have a natural ability to swim and easily stay afloat. Paradoxically, it is not the baby who is stressed by the first baths, but the new parents. However, it is enough to follow a few simple rules, which we mention in the article, and the evening bath will be a pleasure for all.
Accessories and care products
When preparing for your newborn's first bath, you should gather a sizable layette, which should consist of:
- a bath tub
- a non-slip bath mat,
- a terry towel with hood,
- a bath thermometer,
- baby soap or oleum, special shampoo for older babies,
- baby powder,
- oil,
- anti-breakout cream or lotion,
- cotton wools,
- gauze pads for washing eyes,
- cotton buds,
- nasal aspirator,
- a small bowl,
- soft bristle brush,
- baby scissors.
photo: panthermedia
The water in the bath must be at the right temperature of around 37-38 degrees C; it should be slightly warmer than the baby's skin temperature. The water temperature can be measured with a bath thermometer or your own elbow. This test should be carried out immediately before putting the baby in the water, as the water in the bath cools down very quickly. For very young babies we can add camomile to the bath water, which has a disinfectant and drying effect, and therefore prevents the formation of perspiration on the body. Prepare the decoction immediately before bathing, and it is also ideal for washing the skin on a baby's face.
