You can not directly take your baby on a bathtub or under a shower until the umbilical cord falls off. So before that, to keep babies clean, sponge baths through a wet-towel or sponge every two or three days is essential. However, many of the new parents are unaware of the procedures. So, they need a step by step guideline. If you are among those parents, don’t stress yourself much. This whole article will cover all the tricks and methods to give your tot a good sponge bath.
What is a Sponge Bath?
A sponge bath is the washing process, where you will give your infant an all-over wash. But the condition is your baby will rest on a towel in place of in a bathtub. And you will wash and rinse one body part at a time.
You will need:
- A safe padded surface such as a changing pad or the middle of a bed
- Two bath towels, one of which can be a hooded towel
- One or two soft washcloths
- A large plastic bowl or basin
- Some warm water, not hot
- A fresh diaper
- Baby wipes
- And a clean outfit or pajamas
Some other optional things you can use for giving your baby a sponge bath:
• An infant bathtub
• A mild unscented baby-safe soap
• A mild unscented baby-safe shampoo (optional)
• Diaper cream
• And a plastic cup
See the below sponge bath video:
How to Give Your Newborn Baby a Sponge Bath?
- Make sure that you have gathered all the materials before starting. It is not a good idea to look for materials in the middle of a sponge bath.
- Arrange the towel (not the hooded one) to let your baby lay down on the changing pad or bed.
- If you have an infant bathtub, give your baby a sponge bath there, line the tub area with a towel.
- Then fill the bowl with a little bit of lukewarm water. Use the inside of your wrist or your elbow or baby thermometer to test the temperature – it should feel warm, not hot.
- Undress your baby except for a diaper and wrap it with the other towel. Place his face-up on the towel. Talk to your infant like you usually do to make him comfortable with the process.
- Wet the washcloth with the warm water in the bowl and then squeeze it out.
- Gently clean that tiny face with the cloth. Wipe away the crust in the corner of the eyes or around the nose, and be sure to thoroughly wash the facial area where milk may have fallen, as this can cause baby acne. Also, wipe the surface around the ears.
- Re-wet the cloth and clean the rest of the body except the diaper area. Keep that for last. Sponge slowly between each finger and toe as well, into the little folds of the arms and legs. Keep your baby as covered as possible. Turn its backside-up to wash the back and gently pass the wet-cloth on the backside.
- You can use soap for just the neck area, but don’t use too much, and make sure that not a single foam of soap is stuck anywhere after the wash. Plus, washing your baby’s hands with another washcloth is a must. Otherwise, your tot may consume soap.
- Now, Only the Diaper area remains. Remove the baby’s diaper. Slowly wash from front to back. Be sure that you are not doing it vice versa as it may cause infection. Don’t try to push back foreskin if your baby boy is uncircumcised. If you have a boy with circumcision, don’t wash the head of his penis.
- Use the towel to dry your baby. Apply diaper cream if you’re using it and put on a fresh diaper quickly.
- Dip a cotton swab in the spirits and slowly swab around the umbilical cord’s base.
Do You Want to Wash Your Baby’s Hair?
Hold your kiddo over the sink or bowl facing up, hold the body under one arm, and the head & neck supported with your hand. With your other hand, gently apply baby shampoo to the head, and then rinse with warm water. Use a suitable cup or mug if needed.
How Often Does a Baby Need a Bath?
Two or three times a week is enough to keep your newborn baby clean. It also depends on the weather and circumstances. In humid weather, you may need to bathe him every day.
Some parents are confused about giving a sponge bath to a baby with a fever. Don’t get confused as it is beneficial for a baby with a fever as well. It will also help to bring down your baby’s fever. Do not use cold water to bring the fever down.
There is nothing more to include. Make sure your baby is dry all over, and then dress her. So that’s how you will give your baby a sponge bath. We hope that our provided guidelines will assist you precisely. See our similar article on washing baby clothes and cleaning baby bottles. Let us know your valuable comments by commenting below.
