First Bath of a Newborn: When and How to Do it

Taking care of a newborn is not as easy as it appears to be. Parents, particularly those who are going through parenthood for the first time, often get confused about the right time to give a first bath and the precautions they should take into consideration while bathing the baby.

According to health experts from Mayo Clinic, parents should be fully aware about the techniques used in newborn bathing and skincare, to avoid any risks.

To help new parents in this regard, pediatric dermatologist Dawn Davis, from Mayo Clinic Children's Center, puts forward some tips:

* The First Bath - It can be given about six hours after the baby's arrival, when the newborn's body temperature and cardiorespiratory status become stable. The baby should be given a bath every alternative day and on the other days, the body should be cleaned with a wet flannel. The eyelids should be cleaned properly.

* Preparing Warm Water - Keep the thermostat on the water heater below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Dip the baby's whole body, except head and neck, into water.

* Body Cleaning Products - Use mild, neutral pH cleansers for cleaning the body. The cleansers should be free of dyes and fragrances.

* Diaper Care and Baby Wipes - A diaper can be used for two to four hours. Change the diaper when it gets very dirty and clean the area with normal water and a soft cloth. Parents can also use a hypoallergenic wipe without lanolin or alcohol. Keep the area dry through frequent air-drying.

* Solution for Diaper Rash - Zinc oxide can be used to treat diaper rash. If the problem continues to exist after using the zinc oxide paste, parents should consult a doctor.