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3-Minute Guru


 Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011
Tips for bathing your new baby

BY DR. CHAD RUDNICK

A common question from parents on their first visit to the pediatrician is, "When should I bathe my newborn?"
Dr. Chad Rudnick.
While there are numerous cultural beliefs, old-wives tales, and family traditions regarding how newborns and infants are washed, there are a few facts and tips that everyone should know about bathing babies.

Safety

About 100 children under 5 years old drown in bathtubs each year.

  • Never leave a child alone in or around water for any amount of time. Young children can drown in less than an inch of water.
  • Never allow a child to bathe a baby; this job should only be given to a responsible adult.
  • Bath toys and bath mats can harbor bacteria. Disinfect all toys and mats after each bath and allow them to dry before using them again.
  • Check the water temperature before placing a child into a bath or running the water over them. It is generally recommended to have the water temperature be around the same as a normal body temperature (between 98-100 degrees).
  • The depth of bath water for a newborn or infant should be about two inches - no higher than their hips when they are seated.
  • Avoid using sponges to wash a baby – use a soft wash cloth instead. Sponges are associated with an increased risk for contamination by bacteria and fungus.

The Bath

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children are bathed with a washcloth only on a padded, flat, surface until the umbilical cord stump falls off (usually around 1-2 weeks). Once that happens, newborns can be bathed in a tub, sink, or “baby bath.”
  • Pediatric dermatologists recommend that a bath be no more than 5-10 minutes in length, with many pediatricians recommending less than 5 minutes.
  • Research in older children and adults has shown that a bath just before bedtime helps them fall asleep faster. Consider making bath time just before bedtime.
  • Newborns and infants typically do not require more than two or three baths a week. More frequent bathing can dry out a baby’s skin.

When do I start bathing my child everyday?

Once your baby begins to crawl and get dirty, he will start requiring daily baths.
  • Remember to wash in between all skin folds.
  • Don't add cosmetic bath oils to the bath water, as these can irritate an infant’s skin.

Water vs. Soap

Recommendations from pediatric dermatology societies state that using a mild nonscented liquid soap is OK, as long as it is mild and non-irritating to the skin. Water-only baths are also OK for this age group.
  • Do you have “hard” water? “Hard” water has been associated with increased risk for developing eczema, a type of dry skin rash. You can purchase hard water testing kits at many hardware stores or online.
  • Mild liquid soaps are better at removing fecal material and urine residue from the diaper area than just water alone.
  • Adult soaps are typically too strong and harsh for a baby’s skin; look for washes indicated for babies.
  • Shampoo is not usually necessary at this age, but can be used if desired. Look for baby shampoo that is non-irritating and mild.

After the Bath

Babies should be dried immediately after bathing to prevent them from losing too much body heat.
  • Infants should be patted dry after the bath and placed immediately into clothing.
  • Never put damp clothes onto a baby.
  • Rubbing hard with a towel can actually damage an infant’s skin, which is still maturing until 12 months old.
  • Use a moisture protectant (emollient) on baby's skin after the bath to protect the skin from becoming too dry and cracked. Ask your pediatrician for recommendations on which moisture protectant to use.
  • Immediately discontinue the use of any bath product that irritates your baby’s skin or causes a rash.

Dr. Chad Rudnick, a native of Boca Raton, is a pediatric resident at Miami Children's Hospital. Read his blog at All Things Pediatric and follow him on Twitter @Peds_doc.