When we become mothers, many questions pop into our minds about our children’s health and well-being. Therefore, it’s common to wonder: Can I bathe my baby before or after feeding? Before we move on to breastfeeding and the best time for a bath, it’s important to understand the reasons why many mothers have this doubt.
Does Bathing with a Full Stomach Cause Congestion?
Almost all of us remember our childhood beach or pool days when our parents would say, “don’t go in the water after eating or you’ll get congested!”. It was with this phrase or something like it that we learned to fear bathing after a meal, and it’s this notion that makes the question of bathing the baby before or after feeding so common. Many studies have shown that swimming or bathing after a meal does not affect digestion or cause any illness or drowning. The same applies to bathing the baby before or after feeding. 
What is the Best Temperature for a Baby’s Bath?
The problem isn’t when the baby is bathed, but the change in temperature between the baby and the water, which can bring serious consequences. That’s because, when the body has just eaten, its temperature rises due to digestion, and when it comes into contact with much cooler water, this causes a reaction in which breathing and blood circulation pause, potentially leading to fainting. This reaction is called Hydrocution1 (we’ve all felt that sensation of not being able to breathe when we get into a cold shower or pool). What really matters is the baby’s body temperature at the time of the bath, not whether baby bath before or after a feed is harmful. Therefore, you must avoid a sudden temperature change. If you’re still unsure about bathing the baby before or after feeding, let’s look at some factors to consider, whichever option the mother feels is best for her baby’s well-being.
Feeding After the Bath
If the mother chooses to breastfeed after giving the bath to the baby, there are some advantages, as the baby will be ready to eat and rest. In addition, it’s common for babies to sleep after feeding, so giving a baby bath at night can be helpful so that, after feeding, the baby can relax and fall asleep more easily.
Feeding Before the Bath
Breastfeeding before the bath is the less common choice among mothers. It has its advantages, such as not letting the baby cry out of hunger. However, the stimulation and movement during the bath, even if gentle, along with undressing and cleaning, can make the baby nauseous and may lead to spitting up. Breastfeeding does not directly impact the bath, so bathing before or after feeding isn’t a rule. However, experts recommend the following: The best is to bathe the baby before feeding to avoid possible risks. The reason is that during digestion, the baby’s stomach is working more than usual and the amount of blood, as well as body temperature, increases. It’s important to regulate the bath water temperature so it’s close to body temperature (that is, around 35 to 37ºC). If, for example, it’s 26ºC, then the baby is at risk when placed in the water too quickly, regardless of having been fed or not2.
Tips for a Bath Without Surprises: Establishing a Bath Routine
Routines are key to raising happy, healthy babies. They give rhythm and familiarity to a world that is confusing and unpredictable. Bath time is one of the most important routines, where the bond between mother and baby is established, along with supporting development. Whether you choose to bathe your baby before or after feeding, the bath can be built into the routine to create a calming and relaxing habit that will help your baby for years to come. The baby’s bath routine is also essential for building a sleep routine. After a bath, the baby is relaxed and will fall asleep more easily.
Preparing for the Baby’s Bath
Getting ready for baby’s bath is one of the key parts of the routine. You’ll need an infant tub, a soft bath towel, baby soap, a washcloth or sponge, a plastic cup for rinsing hair, shampoo, diaper rash ointment, and a diaper within easy reach in the bathroom (or wherever you’re bathing your baby). Keeping the water temperature right is the main part of bath time.
During the Bath
After you’ve got everything ready, bring your baby into the bathroom. Do not place the baby in the water right away. The baby’s entry into the water should be gradual. The issue is that a newborn is more likely to have problems because they are more sensitive than a child or adult, so you must take great care at bath time, whether before or after feeding. The order for how to bathe the baby and how to place them into the water is: first the back of the neck, then the wrists, followed slowly by the legs, back, and belly. This way, the temperature change will be gradual and there won’t be a problem3. Next, wet your hands in warm soapy water and wash the other parts of the body. Pay special attention to skin folds and clean them gently. Be especially careful when handling a wet, slippery baby, and hold them gently but firmly.
After the Bath
After drying the baby thoroughly with a soft towel, apply diaper rash cream before putting on a diaper. Dress the baby in clean clothes appropriate for the weather and house temperature. Your baby is ready for a hug and a kiss. To make a bath routine successful, don’t forget to keep it up. Bath time can be a refreshing way to start the day or the beginning of a good sleep routine. Bathing can be done at any time; in other words, bathing the baby before or after feeding is entirely up to the mother or caregivers. The main precautions are making sure the baby doesn’t get cold when entering or after leaving the water, since the baby’s temperature will be higher. Also check out: Know the Reasons Your Baby Isn’t Sleeping Photos: CANON EOS 70d
