Most babies enjoy taking a bath. Physical contact with mom or dad keeps them relaxed and the water distracts them. However, newborns have difficulty getting used to this hygiene routine and, as a result, the baby cries a lot during bath time. 
Why Does the Baby Cry During Bath Time?
Each baby is unique and has their own preferences. For example, one may relax in the water, while another baby cries a lot during the bath. One might cry when being undressed, another when being dressed. This is probably because the situation makes them more irritable and less tolerant of clothes, activities, and routines. It seems that they feel insecure when they are without clothes and without support. Usually, they tend to become familiar with the bathroom over time and gradually feel safer and enjoy this activity more. If bath time is stressful for parents and the baby cries a lot during the bath, they can bathe the baby every other day (babies don’t get as dirty as adults), cleaning the baby’s private parts and face with a wet washcloth. Babies are experts at absorbing the energy around them, so don’t scold them or get angry. It’s all a matter of time and, little by little, parents will stop saying that “the baby cries a lot during bath time.” Some parents have found that the baby is more relaxed if they are bathed at the same time as the parent showers. Holding the baby against your body allows the baby to feel secure, which helps prevent them from crying.
The Importance of Baby’s Bath
Bathing is part of a baby’s daily hygiene. Even though they don’t get as dirty as older children, the bath is used to remove sweat and dead skin cells1. Bath time is a relaxing activity and helps the baby sleep. For this reason, most mothers choose to bathe their baby in the evening, providing not only hygiene but also greater relaxation, which leads to a more peaceful night’s sleep. The bath also encourages physical contact between the mother or father and the baby, which reassures them and makes them feel safe. If the baby cries a lot during the bath, it’s a good time to talk to them, sing, give them gentle affection, or, after the bath, a massage.
Newborn Bath
In the first few days, a newborn’s bath is usually given differently from how it will be done a few weeks later. This is because the newborn is more sensitive, loses heat easily, and should be bathed quickly.
Precautions to Take
Some precautions are necessary when bathing a newborn, who, unlike older babies, needs a bit more care2.
- The tub should not be filled with more than 10 or 15 cm of water and the water temperature should be close to body temperature, 35–37ºC. If you don’t have a bath thermometer, you can check the water temperature by dipping the inside of your wrist or your elbow in the water3.
- The room temperature should also be monitored and kept between 22 and 25ºC, and any drafts should be avoided.
- Fill the tub with cold water first and then add hot water; this helps avoid burning the baby. Some parents prefer to boil the water.
- Do not overuse soap. It’s not necessary to use soap on a baby’s skin every day, as this can dry out their skin or cause allergies. Use soap only if the diaper area is very dirty.
- The baby should never be left alone in the bathroom at any time. Make sure you have everything you need before starting the bath.
What Items Should Be Ready for Baby’s Bath?
- A dry towel to dry the baby after the bath.
- Neutral liquid soap for babies.
- A soft sponge to lather and clean dirtier areas without damaging the baby’s skin.
- Sterile gauze to dry properly and 70% alcohol for umbilical cord healing
- Diaper rash ointment.
- Diaper
- The clothes the baby will wear after the bath.
- A soft-bristle brush for the baby’s hair.
- Mild baby cologne, which should be applied to the clothes and used sparingly.
Baby powder may be toxic if inhaled by the baby. It is better to skip using it.
Where to Start the Bath?
For newborns, the order is usually the same except for a few cases.
- First, wrap the undressed baby in a soft cloth, which may be a receiving blanket or a folded cloth diaper. If the baby cries a lot during the bath, doing this provides more security for the newborn.
- Next, moisten a piece of gauze or your hands and clean the eyes, nose, and mouth area.
- Wash the head with shampoo, rinsing thoroughly (there’s no need to use conditioner). Right after, make sure to dry the head well since this is where the baby loses the most heat; ideally, leave it wrapped in the towel.
- Then, remove the cloth and wash the rest of the body with neutral soap, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Lay the baby on a flat surface and finish drying the umbilical stump (cord). This part is very important as if the baby’s navel stays damp, this can encourage the growth of bacteria that can cause an infection.
- Apply 70% alcohol to disinfect and help the umbilical cord heal
- Change the baby as usual
Tips To Keep Baby from Crying During Bath Time
If the baby cries a lot during bath time, it’s best to use a few tricks to keep their attention off the cleaning process alone: The best way to bathe the baby is in a way that is safe and comfortable for them, both physically and emotionally. Handling them gently, maintaining eye contact and talking to them about what’s happening and which body parts will be washed helps them understand the moment better. It’s important to pay attention if the baby gets restless or tense, as the bath will need to be quicker and the room should have softer lighting and a gentle voice. Over time the baby will understand what’s happening and start to help during the bath: lifting their foot so it can be washed or tilting their head to be rinsed, for example. That way, parents can listen and respond according to their baby’s needs. Keeping the baby relaxed helps them feel comfortable to play with the water, making bath time last longer and making it enjoyable. If your baby doesn’t like being naked, they can be wrapped in a soft cloth or a cloth diaper before being put in the water. If the baby seems afraid of the water or feels unprotected, you can give the bath in a bucket. Also See: Bucket Bath – When To Start? Photos: Kyle Flood
