Becoming a mom means being careful 24/7. Any tiny mishap can end badly for your newborn baby. This is why moms live in constant fear of messing up. Bathing is a wonderful bonding time. Some babies love it and others cry to their heart’s content. No matter which category your bundle of joy falls into, they’re bound to splash you, so prepare to get wet. It is important to have clarity on taking care of the baby after a bath as well.
After you gently wash your little angel from head to toe, it’s time for bed. Before your baby drifts off to dreamland, you must see to their post-bath needs. Post-tub care is an essential part of nurture. Here’s how to take care of your baby after their bath.
In This Article
Do You Have Everything You Need?
You can’t leave your baby unattended after a bath. Make sure your post-bath “station” has all the essentials ready. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need. A wet baby’s body temperature drops faster than an adult’s. Keeping them warm should be the first priority.
Make sure that you have a big soft towel to wrap them in. If they’re particularly sensitive and get cold easily, cover them with a baby blanket. You must keep your baby moisturizer close by. Other baby care products you may need include massage lotion or oil, powder, organic lip balm, and a baby grooming kit.
How to Tend to Your Baby After a Bath
If you have a basic understanding of the process, bathing your infant will be simple. Besides making sure your baby is comfortable and secure during bath time, it is necessary to take into account certain things following a baby bath as well.
Keep Your Baby Dry
Drying is the first thing on your to-do list. As your baby’s skin is super sensitive, you should use pure cotton towels (the same goes for the washcloth). Visit 1771 Living for 100% cotton bath and bed linens.
- Firstly, wrap the baby in the towel. Don’t rub the towel on your baby’s gentle skin; rather pat them dry gently. Lay the baby down and dry off any excess droplets.
- Make sure all the nooks and crannies are dry. If crease areas are left wet, it can cause rashes. There should be no remaining moisture anywhere.
- Always dry off the fold areas such as armpits, inner thighs, buttocks, behind the ears, etc. Keep the baby covered and warm before, during, and after you dry them.
Hydrate the Baby’s Skin
Your infant’s soft baby skin is very thin and must be kept hydrated. Use a fragrance-free, organic baby lotion to do this. If you cannot trust store-bought lotion for your infant, try whipping up one of your own.
- Make sure that you’re using a product that’s unlikely to cause an allergy. You’ll find details on the bottle as to whether the product can cause irritation.
- Lather the lotion all over your baby and make sure that it’s completely absorbed into the skin. Excess lotion can also cause rashes. The key is to keep your baby’s sensitive skin moisturized but dry.
- If they have a tendency to lick or suck their lips, they may start to crack and bleed. Apply organic lip balm to prevent chapped lips, especially during the dry season.
Say No to Powder
The powder was once a post-tub and diaper change essential. In recent years, research has found that powder can be bad for babies.
Inhaling powder, especially ones with talc can block your infant’s breathing passage and cause serious breathing problems.
- Some people say that instead of sprinkling powder on, you should apply a little at a time. Take a pinch close to the skin and slowly rub it on.
- However, we advise that you don’t use powder at all. Instead, change your baby’s diaper frequently.
- Apply fast-absorbing lotion after a wipe or you can try “lotion powders” that are now available. If the baby still gets a rash, use an organic diaper rash cream.
Say Yes to Infant Massage
The comfort of your touch ensures that your baby will grow up healthily, both physically and emotionally. Infant massage is an ancient tradition. Infant massage is a “workout” for babies. Your baby reaps the benefits of exercise with this massage.
- When you give your baby a massage, it enhances blood circulation throughout the body. It works wonders for growth, particularly for underweight babies.
- Use a little organic oil or baby massage lotion and gently massage your baby’s skin all over. During the massage, softly fold and unfold their arms and legs. This helps strengthen their bones and joints.
- It can also aid their digestion and help reduce the ache of teething. Massage releases “happy hormones” in your baby and reduces stress!
Groom Your Bundle of Joy
Keeping your baby well-groomed helps them learn about personal hygiene early. Other mammals do it too!
- Keeping your baby’s nails short ensures that they don’t scratch and hurt you or themselves. Trim the nails after a bath, when the nails are soft.
- Be careful not to hurt them with the nail clippers. Your gentle touch and comfort will reassure the baby that there is nothing to fear. If you don’t feel confident about using clippers, use a gentle filer to shave off any unwanted bits.
- Use soft, wet gauze to wipe their gums and tongue. You should do this twice a day. Softly clean the front and back of your baby’s ears with a wet cotton swab, avoiding the ear canal.
Post-Bath Bonding Time
Your baby will feel clingy after your gentle, loving care. Remember that your touch and warmth will help them grow stronger both physically and mentally.
- After the bath and massage, the baby should be tired enough to fall asleep. In case they don’t fall asleep right away, hold them until they do.
- Dress them in pajamas and wrap them snugly in a soft blanket. Hold the baby close to your heart. Make sure they can feel your heartbeat.
- You can walk around with them in your arms, gently rocking them side to side. You can sing to them softly. Use a rocking chair, if you have one. In your presence, they’ll always feel safe enough to fall asleep.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how important post-tub care is for your tot’s upbringing. Remember to keep your baby’s sensitive skin hydrated.
Damp skin can lead to skin problems, so make sure your baby stays warm and dry. Never skip the baby massage, as it’s essential for healthy growth.
This bonding time is great for deepening your connection with your baby. Remember that your presence and care will help them grow into strong and healthy adults.
