• When should we give bath to a newborn?
• What are WHO guidelines? 
• Why it’s important to delay bath? 
• How to give bath to a newborn? 
• What are the essentials for the bath? 

When to give bath to a newborn? 

In past, people usually give bath immediately after the birth of the baby. But now doctors are not giving bath right after the birth. Because WHO recommends to delay bath 24-48 hours after the birth

. Now, most of the institutes are following their directions. So, if you are expecting a new baby then you must consider the WHO guidelines and talk to your doctor so they follow the guidelines. 

Importance of delaying the bath:

• Temperature and blood sugar level: If you give bath immediately after the birth of your baby then it cause hypothermia (low body temperature) and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level). 
• Skin to skin interaction: Breastfeed and skin to skin interaction between mother and baby is so important as it helps mother to deliver placenta and keeps the baby calm. So it’s necessary to avoid bath and try to start breastfeeding. 
• Skin dryness: Vernix is the protective layer on the baby’s body. So if you give bath too early it might cause dryness and skin allergies. 

Essentials for the first bath:

After 24-48 hours of the birth you can give your newborn a sponge bath.

 Yes, you have to give sponge baths to your newborn until the stump of the umbilical cord falls off. As newborns have protective covering vernix on their body so it’s not necessary to give bath daily. You are required following things for a sponge bath:

• Bowl filled with water. 
• Damp towel rinse in soap free water. 
• Dry towel. 
• Baby bathing tub. 
• Keep the dress and diaper of your baby near you. 

Precautions:

• Never leave your baby alone in bathing tub (either you are giving sponge bath or water bath) 
• Keep the water and baby warm. 
• Gently clean your baby. Don’t rub roughly. 
• Dry your baby by slightly patting with towel. 
• You can start normal bathing after the falling off of the stump of the umbilical cord (in baby’s bathing tub). 
• First clean head then legs, arms, chest and back. 
• Protect your baby’s ear from water.