New parents often find themselves overwhelmed while taking care of their young infants, and they may sometimes even wish they had an instruction manual! Especially one that covered the basics of bathing and oral hygiene. Parents usually struggle with these aspects of childcare. If you too are one such new parent and are not sure about the basics of baths and oral care, here is a guide that provides simple, step-by-step instructions for bathing your infant, along with some helpful toddlery oral care tips and oral care, making it easy to keep your little one clean and healthy.
The baby's bath routine should start shortly after the baby’s birth. If you have had the delivery at a hospital, the staff or the nurse will clean the blood and the amniotic fluids after birth. However, some prefer to leave excess vernix (a waxy and creamy substance on the baby’s skin) on the baby as it protects the baby from germs in the environment. Paediatricians also recommend leaving the vernix on the baby and hence suggest bathing until after a few days of birth. Once you bring home the baby, it is safest to give a bath only after the umbilical cord falls off. Until then, you can give a sponge bath by cleaning the body, head and diaper area. Once the umbilical cord falls off, you can begin bathing the baby using a shallow bathtub.
A sponge bath is the best bath routine for a newborn until the umbilical cord falls (which can be from one to two weeks). It is also the best way to clean infant boys who have been circumcised until the site heals. To give a sponge bath to a baby, you will need:
● A flat and warm surface. This can be a firm bed, a changing table, a kitchen or bathroom counter or even the floor.
● Spread a soft towel, blanket, or changing pad on the surface so the baby can lie on it.
● Always keep one hand free and place it on the baby for safety. If using a changing pad, use the safety belt.
● You will also require a shallow basin, a container or a sink to hold water. Run warm water into the water container and check the temperature. The water should be neither too hot nor too cold.
● Keep other essentials like a towel, washcloth, baby soap and shampoo, baby wipes, change of clothes and a clean diaper nearby.
To give the baby a sponge bath, undress it and wrap it in a towel. Lay the baby on its back on the flat surface you have prepared. To ensure the baby is warm, expose the area you are washing. Wet the washcloth with warm water, remove excess water, and wipe the eyelids from the inside to the outside and then the baby’s face.
Dip the washcloth again in soapy or plain water and clean the body. You can use a mild soap with moisturising properties. Pay close attention to the creases behind the ears, under the arms, neck and around the diaper area. Also, wipe between the fingers and toes. Pat dry the baby, including the skin folds, using a soft towel. Put on a clean diaper and clothes. You can use a hooded towel to keep the head warm while it dries.
After the baby’s umbilical cord falls off, you can start giving a bath in a baby bathtub. Here are the steps to bathe your baby safely:
● Fill the bathtub with about 2 to 3 inches of warm water.
● Undress the baby and quickly place the child in the water so they don’t feel cold.
● Gently lower your baby into the tub, supporting the head with one hand and the feet with the other. For safety, ensure that the neck and the head are always above the water.
● Pour water over the baby’s body to keep it warm.
● Use a damp washcloth to clean the face and shampoo the scalp and hair (once or twice a week).
● Wash the body from top to bottom using a wet washcloth or warm water.
● Gently pick the baby out of the tub and pat dry with a soft towel. Dry the folds of the skin, the face, the head and the body.
You can plan to wash the baby’s hair and scalp twice a week using a gentle baby shampoo. To wash the hair or scalp, massage a small amount of baby shampoo to the hair or scalp. To rinse the shampoo, gently tip the head back into the bathtub and place one hand over the forehead while pouring warm water using the other. By doing this, the water spills on the sides of the head. Pat dry the scalp and hair and then use a hooded towel to dry excess water from the hair.
Here are a few must-know baby bathing tips that parents need to know:
● Gather all the essential supplies and then start the bath. Some of the essentials include a mild soap, a clean washcloth, a soft towel, fresh clothes, a clean diaper and a mild baby lotion.
● Test the water temperature using your wrist or elbow to ensure it is not too cold or hot.
● Fill the tub with 2 to 3 inches of water and not more than that.
● Support the neck and head with one hand, as the baby has no control over the head movements.
● Stick to a sponge bath until the umbilical cord falls off and the area heals.
● Use gentle motions and a soft cloth, and be sensitive to the eyes and face.
● At all times, keep one hand on the baby and maintain a firm grip.
● Use only mild baby-safe products.
● Limit the bath time to not more than 10 minutes, as babies catch colds quickly.
● Dry the baby thoroughly, and be sure to pay close attention to the skin folds.
● Never leave the baby unattended or alone, even for a few seconds.
● Never fill the sink or tub with too much water.
● There’s no need to bathe the baby often. Twice or three times a week is enough.
● Don’t forget to clean the folds and behind the ears.
● Never allow the face or the head to go underwater. Always keep the head elevated to avoid water entering the nose or mouth.
● Never scrub the skin.
● Never use hot water directly from the tap
● Don’t rush the bathing process. Do it gently and calmly.
After weeks of baby drooling and fussing, you finally spot the first tooth popping through the gums. Over the next few years, your baby’s bare gums will be replaced with rows of baby teeth. Though small and non-permanent, caring for baby teeth is important as they are the placeholders for adult teeth. Without healthy teeth, a child will have trouble speaking clearly, chewing and smiling. This is why it is essential to care for your baby’s teeth and keep them free from decay. Start early so that your baby gets used to a daily oral care routine.
You can start taking care of your baby’s gums right from their newborn stage, even though the teeth haven’t appeared yet. However, oral care at such an early age won’t require the use of a toothbrush and toothpaste. Instead, it involves these steps:
● Use a moist, soft washcloth.
● Gently wipe your baby’s gums at least twice a day.
● Wipe the baby’s gums before bedtime and after every feed.
Bacteria leave a sticky plaque that can damage the infant's teeth as they grow. By wiping the gums even before the first tooth erupts, you remove the bacteria and prevent them from attaching to the gums. You can move on to a baby toothbrush as the teeth begin to pop out.
There is no set time for children’s teeth to emerge. It can take up to 2 years before all the teeth emerge out of the gums. Teeth breaking out from within the gums is called teething, which is painful for the baby. That is why the baby fusses and cries for many days or weeks before the teeth emerge. Some of the teething symptoms are swollen gums, drooling and a slight fever.
● Teething rings: Let the baby chew on a cool and clean teething ring. However, it must not be small, as the baby can choke on it. Also, the liquid inside the teething rings must not break open.
● Pain relief medication: Ask your paediatrician if you can give acetaminophen for pain relief. Never give aspirin, as it can cause a serious but rare condition called Reye’s syndrome in children.
● Gum rubbing: Rub your child’s gums with a clean finger to massage the gums and reduce irritation.
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens and protects the teeth against cavities. Using it early in your baby’s life protects the teeth. However, recommendations among dentists vary as to when to begin using fluoride toothpaste. Some paediatricians recommend using it right away after the first tooth emerges, while others recommend it only if the child is at risk of cavities. Talk to your paediatrician before using a fluoride toothpaste.
● Start by choosing a soft toothbrush with a large handle and a small bristle. Soak the bristles in warm water for a couple of minutes to soften them some more, brush the teeth and the gums gently, and then graduate to using toothpaste when your paediatrician recommends it.
● When using toothpaste, use an amount the size of a rice grain for toddlers up to 3 years and then a pea size for children 3 to 6 years.
● Children’s toothpaste comes in flavours that kids love. Select what your child likes to encourage brushing.
● Check the manufacturer’s label, as some toothpastes are not recommended for children under a certain age.
● Gradually start brushing the child’s teeth, covering all the areas of the teeth.
● Brush at least twice a day, once after waking up and once before bed
● Many children don’t like their teeth brushed, so you have to keep trying to make it a routine. Don’t skip even if they resist.
● Don’t give sugary drinks between meals or give sugary snacks frequently.
● To brush a baby’s teeth, sit them on your knees with their head resting on your chest. For older children, tilt their heads back and stand behind them to get the right view and angle.
● Brush teeth in a circular motion and encourage your child to spit the paste out.
● Floss the baby's teeth once all have come out.
● Brush and floss before bedtime and don’t allow any drink or food except water until the following day.
● Ensure the child is not licking or eating toothpaste from the tube.
● Help them brush their teeth until they can do it well by themselves.
● Don’t delay dental visits. Visit a dentist every 6 months.
Your baby’s hygiene, including bathing and oral care, is important. Though it seems overwhelming at first, with the right information and preparation, it can become a simple routine that is enjoyable for both you and the baby. For new parents, patience and gentle care are key to making these routine tasks safe and comfortable. Use the information given in this guide to help you create a safe, enjoyable, and effective bath and oral care routine for your baby.
