" How to make it a pleasure "

After the birth of a baby, the exciting journey begins together as a family. Adventures and challenges await. One of the first wonderful experiences is the first bath. Of course, this applies to both the baby and the new parents. Adults see a cozy, warm bath as pure relaxation. The little ones, on the other hand, love to splash around. For babies, on the other hand, it is a completely new experience that appeals to many different senses. But what exactly do families need for a relaxing baby bath and when can the journey into the water begin? How exactly should the baby be held and what temperature should the water be? Important questions that now have individual answers.

When can you start bathing?

In most cases, the newborn is bathed by the midwife or the proud dad immediately after birth. However, some midwives now advise against this because the skin of newborn babies is still protected by what is known as caesarean lubrication.

Once the family has had their first exciting days at home, there is a familiar and relaxed feeling of security so that the first baby bath can be tackled. This should take place when the rest of the umbilical cord has fallen off and the belly button is really dry. Otherwise germs can form in the wound and cause an infection. In most cases, the midwife is often present to provide support during the first bath.

How often does a baby splash around?

How often a newborn goes into the bath to splash around is up to the parents. In the first few weeks of life, however, newborns are not very dirty, so daily cleaning with a terry cloth washcloth is perfectly adequate.

First and foremost, the soothing bath is for the newborn's relaxation and enjoyment. As a rule, doctors recommend that a newborn should be bathed once or twice a week. In addition, a baby should not be bathed for more than ten minutes in the first few weeks of life, as it still has problems maintaining its own body temperature and can cool down quickly.

What is needed?

If all the necessary measures are taken before the baby bath, nothing stands in the way of a relaxing time with the family. First of all, everything that is needed afterwards should be ready before the bath. Creams, a diaper and other utensils such as special towels are a must. A baby bath poncho is also very suitable.

If the baby is already older, it is a good idea to use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to warm up the little one after bathing. When it's bath time, parents should make sure in advance that the room in which their little one is bathed and dressed is at the optimum temperature, as babies do not find large temperature differences very pleasant.

Bathing can also be very exhausting for an infant. So being hungry afterwards is completely normal. A prepared bottle ensures that there is no discomfort.

What do I bathe my child in?

Parents often ask themselves during pregnancy whether a baby bucket or a baby bath makes sense for their baby. Curiously, however, it is primarily the baby himself who decides which option is right for him. Many babies find the confines of the bucket safe and reassuring. Adults appreciate its practical advantages, as not much water is needed and the child is unlikely to slip away.

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However, if you opt for a bucket, you should make sure that it is a quality product that has been specially developed for bathing. However, the bath tub for grown-ups can also contribute greatly to baby's enjoyment, as it gives him the opportunity to kick his legs and glide through the water on dad's or mom's arm.

If you opt for a baby bath, make sure that it is in the hip position so that you can hold the baby better when bathing and protect the back. Some families also like to use their own washbasin in the first few weeks.

And now the "baby's first bath" adventure can begin

The ideal water temperature of 37 degrees is best measured with a thermometer. In the early days, newborns do not need any care products as the clear water is sufficient. Only later do various care products in the water make sense. Before the first bath, the child should be in a good mood so that the adventure doesn't turn into a nightmare.

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If the temperature is ideal, let the naked child slide slowly into the water. Parents should make sure that the baby's head is resting on the forearm and that the mother's or father's hand is holding the baby's upper arm between thumb and forefinger. This prevents your little one from slipping away. Babies love and know their parents' voices, so it is easier for them to relax if mom or dad tells them something or sings to them.

Use the bath for washing

Your little one can now be gently washed with a terry cloth washcloth. Parents should make sure not to forget the folds on the legs or neck. The hair should only be washed at the end so that the baby's head does not get too cold. After ten minutes at the latest, the little one should be taken out of the bath and immediately wrapped in one or two cozy terry towels or a bath poncho. bath poncho cuddled up.

When drying off, parents should always make sure that the folds are dabbed dry to avoid sore spots or inflammation. It is more comfortable for the little sunshine if the terry towels are very soft on the skin, so make sure they are of good quality when you buy them. Now all you have to do is decide whether you want to massage your little one with a well-scented baby lotion or a baby oil to end the little adventure together.