Back from the hospital with the newborn, all mothers experience a feeling of insecurity, especially when it comes to cleaning the baby.
Although the baby can be bathed from the first day, if you decide not to put them in the bathtub until the umbilical stump falls off (on average, 7-10 days after birth), the baby's hygiene should be done with sponges soaked in warm water, cleaning the whole body except the area of the umbilical cord.
Baby hygiene is very important and necessary, not only because it makes the little one feel fresher and cleaner but also because it is one of the pillars to keep them healthy and avoid many complications. Bath time can also be an ideal opportunity for parents to strengthen their intimacy with the baby, just as the mother does with breastfeeding.
Maintaining proper hygiene in the eyes, nose, and mouth is essential for the child to feel comfortable. The skin and hair will also benefit from proper hygiene, as using suitable bath products and following a good hygiene routine will promote the health of their skin and hair.
When is the best time to bathe the baby?
The best alternative is to bathe before putting them to sleep, as it will relax them and they will likely sleep better after all this activity. It is essential to have everything needed for the baby's bath ready to transmit a feeling of well-being and calmness to your child.
What equipment is necessary for the bath?
First of all, you must be clear that the baby's bath should primarily be a moment of pleasure and secondarily hygiene. Spending time every day immersed in warm, relaxing, and refreshing water will be the ideal moment for a special contact between mother and baby, in which the father can also participate.
Bathing tips
Baths are performed to remove impurities that the baby has acquired on their skin or hair during the day. But it also serves to create an emotional bond with their caregiver and even induce the infant into a state of well-being. Therefore, it is recommended that the bath be done just before the baby goes to sleep, helping them relax and better fall asleep.
The room temperature should be between 22º and 25ºC; the water temperature between 35º and 37ºC. It is enough to fill the bathtub with 10 centimeters of water.
Most babies enjoy bath time, but it is not uncommon for them to cry or be restless; their temperament might have a lower tolerance to changes.
Wash the head before the body, as it is more practical. Make sure bath gels are suitable for their pH.
Be relaxed when bathing your baby and transmit this feeling.
After the bath
Skin absorption increases after the bath, so it is recommended that this is the right time to apply everything necessary for your baby's skin. Their skin will feel soft and protected from external agents, making the baby comfortable and more at ease.
This moment can also be taken advantage of by parents to give the baby gentle body massages, helping them relax and then fall asleep more easily; becoming a form of communication between both.
Most babies love physical contact, and massage can be part of the daily routine before dressing them.
Five essential daily hygiene habits
1. Brush and keep hair clean
Hair, like the rest of the skin, gets dirty easily due to environmental dust and scalp secretions. Therefore, it is important to wash it frequently and brush it daily to stimulate hair health and improve its appearance. This is one of the most basic daily hygiene habits that the child should learn as soon as they acquire basic motor skills. At first, it is not even important that the child brushes or washes the hair well since this is an exercise that requires practice. What matters is that they become aware of the benefits this simple personal hygiene habit brings while you help them achieve better results.
2. Wash hands
This is one of the most important daily hygiene habits because it prevents diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, cholera, influenza, and flu infections. Keep in mind that hands are children's main tools for work, so it is usual for them to touch contaminated surfaces and then put their hands in their mouths or eyes, transferring infectious particles that can make them sick. In fact, statistics show that children who wash their hands more often get sick less than those who do not have this habit. Therefore, the sooner you teach them to wash their hands well, the better. It is important they learn to wash them for at least 30 seconds, especially after playing, going to the bathroom, coughing, or touching dirty surfaces.
3. Clean and cut nails
Keeping nails short and clean guarantees health. Basically, bacteria and viruses accumulate under the nails from surfaces children constantly touch. The shorter the nails, the less likely they harbor dirt. Beyond length, it is also essential to keep them clean. The sooner you teach your child this, the better. If they are older, you can teach them to cut their nails themselves, but if they are small, it is better you cut them to avoid accidents. In any case, teach them how to keep their nails clean; you can give them a small soft-bristle brush to clean nails when washing hands.
4. Brush teeth
Introducing the habit of brushing teeth at an early age is vital for ensuring optimal oral health. It is the only way to prevent many dental diseases such as cavities, bad breath, and some gum problems. Ideally, from age 3, children should be able to brush their own teeth, although during the first months, adult supervision is necessary. It is important to brush from the gums to the teeth in circular motions and without applying too much pressure to avoid damaging the enamel. This routine should be repeated after each meal and before bedtime.
5. Shower
This is probably the most important daily hygiene habit because while the child showers, they remove dirt and infection residues from their skin. Keep in mind that the skin is exposed all day to environmental contaminants, dirty surfaces, and secretions it produces such as sweat and body oils. Therefore, it is important to clean it at least once a day to remove dirt and toxins, allowing pores to breathe better. This habit helps prevent diseases such as flu, scabies, and acne while improving personal appearance and the child's sense of well-being.
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