4 Common Mistakes Parents Make When Bathing a Baby
Some mothers still get bathing a baby wrong, from bathing a newborn too early to using too many products. See the four mistakes and how to avoid them.
Bathing a baby is not a simple chore. There is a lot to pay attention to, from the best time of day for a bath to which products are safe and how warm the water should be. Some mothers still make mistakes when bathing their little ones. So what mistakes tend to happen? Read on to find out.
4 Mistakes When Bathing Your Little One
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Bathing a Newborn Too Early
A newborn should not be bathed right away. At birth, a coating called vernix is still on the baby's body. This milky white layer usually covers the face and body. It protects the baby from possible infection after birth and helps keep the baby's body temperature stable.
Vernix looks after the baby's skin, so mothers are advised to wait about six hours after the baby is born. Vernix does a very good job of protecting the skin during the first hours after birth. If a newborn is bathed straight away, the water will rinse the vernix off.
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Bathing the Baby Too Often
Bathing a baby too often is something to avoid. Mothers should pay attention to the best bath schedule for a baby. In fact, from birth until the baby starts crawling, frequent baths are not needed. Three baths a week are enough. In between, mothers can clean the baby's hands, face and body with a washcloth.
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Using Too Many Products
Not all baby bath products are safe for continuous use. There is nothing wrong with the products themselves. The problem is how they are used. Skin care products used in the wrong amounts can potentially cause skin problems.
Mothers also often use a variety of different products. Overusing even a single product is off limits, let alone mixing several different ones. Not all ingredients in skin care products can be mixed. They may react with each other and turn into allergens.
Read Also: Find Out What Makes a Good Baby Soap for Your Little One's Sensitive Skin
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The Wrong Water Temperature
Besides watching the best bath time for babies, mothers also need to use water at the right temperature. The water should be lukewarm so it does not hurt the baby's skin. The right temperature also keeps the baby from being startled when the bath begins. The baby will feel comfortable and relaxed, and so will not fuss.
Water that is too hot or too cold is bad for a baby because the difference from room temperature is extreme. Babies are very sensitive to changes in their surroundings, so mothers should keep this in mind. Water at the right temperature makes for a better bath.
Those are some of the mistakes mothers often make when bathing a baby. They are fairly common, but best avoided. For more tips, visit the Mitu Baby Care blog, where you will find useful information that can help you care for your baby.
Read Also: A Look at Why Wet Wipes Matter for Your Child's Needs
