5 Outdated Tips When it Comes to Bathing your Baby
Raising your baby is hard enough. The last thing you need is a slew of unsolicited advice from others about the best way to raise your baby. Although their intentions might be well intended, it can be overwhelming to sift through all the advice and figure out what really is helpful and what is outdated. Here's a list of 5 outdated tips you will probably want to pass on when it comes to bathing your baby:
1. "Add soap or bubble bath to the water for a more thorough clean." - This advice is outdated because using excessive soap or bubble bath can strip away the natural oils from your baby's skin, leading to dryness and irritation. A small amount of mild, baby-friendly cleanser is sufficient for a gentle cleanse.
2. "Immerse your baby's ears in water to clean them." - This advice is no longer recommended. Putting water directly into your baby's ears can increase the risk of ear infections. t is best to clean around the outside of the ears with a washcloth and avoid introducing water into the ear canal.
3. "Bathe your baby every day to prevent illness": Daily bathing is not necessary for most babies, especially newborns and infants. Overbathing can dry out their skin and disrupt the natural balance of oils. Newborn and infants are fine to be bathed 2 - 3 times a week, or even less if their skin is sensitive. You may even opt to bathe them in just water to keep to prevent skin irritation.
4. "Use baby powder after every bath to prevent diaper rashes": Talcum powder was once a common recommendation to keep a baby's skin dry and prevent rashes. However, it is now advised to avoid using talcum powder due to potential respiratory risks when inhaled by the baby. Instead, focus on ensuring their skin is thoroughly dry before dressing them in clean, breathable clothing. Apply diaper rash cream when needed.
5. "Wait until the umbilical cord stump falls off before giving your baby a bath": While it was once believed that delaying bathing until the umbilical cord stump falls off is necessary, current recommendations encourage gentle sponge baths even before the stump falls off. Keeping the area clean and dry is crucial for proper healing.
Looking for a thorough guide on everything you need to know when it comes to bathing your baby? Download our free guide here!