How Often Should you Bathe a Baby? A Full Guide!

Babies Bathing Guide: How Often Should Babies Take Bath

Bathing your newborn for the first time is definitely a wild experience, but it’s one of the first steps towards parenthood. It’s hard the first time as you have to be very gentle and delicate. You also have to make sure that the products you’re using are fragrance and toxin-free.

The number of times babies should take a bath depends on their age and routine. Bathing gets some babies excited, while it’s a calming experience for others. Every newborn grows differently, so you can set a bathing routine hence according to your little one’s attributes. Read further below and learn more about bathing your newborn.

Bathing Your Baby in the First Three Months (1-3Months)

During this age, it’s suitable to bathe your baby once or twice a week. This is one of the most delicate stages of babyhood, so you can’t expect them to take a proper shower. You can bathe your baby in the sink or bathtub, ensuring that they don’t slip, as this is very common. When bathing your newborn, begin with the face and then gradually move down, using fragrance-free baby soap. You can also bathe your baby 2-3 times a week until they are a month old.  Gradually, as they grow bigger and cross their first month, you can bathe them once a day. This would be more like a good bedtime routine if you bathe your baby always around 5 pm to 6 pm, and this way, your little one will be able to associate their bathing time with night time.

The 3^rd to 6^th month

Once your baby reaches their third month, you can keep bathing them once a day or as much as you prefer based on your schedule. The important part of bathing them is to not only maintain their hygiene but also add a simple routine that can help them sleep better. A helpful suggestion is not to wash their heads regularly, but rather on alternate days. Keep the bath short to avoid dryness, and make sure to use baby-friendly moisturizers afterward.

The 6^th to 12^th month

Once your baby is almost a year, you will start to notice more physical growth and strength in them. During these months, you can increase the number of times you bathe your baby. You can set a schedule that consists of bathing them once in the morning and giving them a slight wash at night, making it a daily night routine to get them a good sleep. However, again this depends on your baby’s mood and how they react to water. You can keep them in a bathtub with a few toys.

Tips for Bathing Your New Born

• You need to select the right range of bathing products that and fragrance and dye-free. Some bathing products tend to dry out the skin; hence you must choose a product consisting of plant-based ingredients. A newborn’s skin is very delicate, and they are prone to catching different allergies, so you have to be very careful. If your baby has Atopic dermatitis(eczema), it will be better to use creamy and oily products to keep the skin hydrated.
• You can keep switching from bathtubs to sinks. Sinks are perfect for babies in the first few months, and once your baby is more flexible, you can shift them to a portable baby bathtub.
• Always start from the top of the head when bathing, and work your way downwards.
• Make sure to properly clean their toes and fingers, as a lot of dirt gathers here. You can use a soapy washcloth to clean these areas thoroughly.
• Get into the lumpy roll folds of your little one. You will probably notice them along their wrists, thighs, and neck. These areas tend to gather a lot of dead skin cells and bacteria; hence you must thoroughly wash them.
• Don’t keep your baby in the bath for too long as the skin tends to grow drier. Similarly, make sure the water isn’t boiling hot, as that can burn your baby’s skin. If your baby has eczema (a skin condition in which dry and rough patches form on an infant’s body, especially the face), don’t keep them in the water for too long and make sure the water’s temperature is lukewarm. In this case, give them a bath only once a day.

Takeaway

So How often should you bathe a baby? Well, hopefully, this article has helped you to answer that question. Remember, you must focus on your newborns’ reactions and adjustments. Then, set a proper bathing timetable as every child is different.