The Benefits of Delayed Baths for your Newborn
Welcoming a newborn into the world is a magical experience - but it can be filled with unknowns. The choice of when to give your baby their first bath is a decision you will have to make at some point, but its probably one you haven't really thought of before you had a baby. If you give birth at the hospital, your medical staff will often look to you to decide when to give your baby a bath. Many parents opt not to give their baby a bath in the hospital - but instead delay their baby's bath for days, or even weeks.
Formally referred to as delayed bathing, the practice of waiting at least 6 hours to give your baby a bath has gained popularity in recent years - and for good reason. In fact, the WHO recommends to wait at least 24 hours before bathing a newborn.
Here's why:
1. Preserving the Protective Vernix: Delayed bathing allows your newborn to benefit from the vernix, a natural, waxy substance that covers their skin at birth. This precious coating serves as a protective barrier, moisturizing the delicate skin and shielding it from potential irritants. By delaying the bath, you give your baby's skin the chance to absorb this natural defense mechanism fully.
2. Temperature Regulation: Newborns are adjusting to life outside the womb, and regulating their body temperature is a crucial part of this transition. Delaying the first bath helps babies to self-regulate their body temperature, reducing the risk of hypothermia and ensuring a smoother adjustment to the external environment.
3. Bonding Time with Parents: Bathing is not just a routine; it's a bonding experience. Delaying the first bath allows for extended skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby, fostering a deeper emotional connection. Those precious moments of closeness contribute to feelings of security and love, setting the foundation for a strong parent-child relationship.
4. Support for Breastfeeding: For mothers planning to breastfeed, delayed bathing can be a supportive factor in initiating early breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin contact during the first hours of life encourages effective latching and nursing, aiding in the establishment of a successful breastfeeding relationship.
5. Gradual Transition to the Outside World: Delayed bathing respects the natural transition from the cozy environment of the womb to the vast world outside. This gradual introduction allows your baby to adjust at their own pace, providing a calm and gentle start to their journey of growth.
6. Stabilizing Blood Sugar Levels: Studies suggest that delaying the first bath may help stabilize a baby's blood sugar levels. This can be particularly beneficial for newborns at risk of hypoglycemia, offering them a smoother metabolic transition.
In practicing delayed bathing, parents are not only honoring the natural processes of their newborns but also creating an environment that promotes comfort, warmth, and connection. Delayed bathing means their first bath can be in the comfort of their home, instead of the cold, sterile environment of a hospital. It's a small yet meaningful way to celebrate the delicate beginnings of your little one's life.
PS: Once you are ready to bathe your baby, we've got you covered! Check out our blog post on how you can prepare for your baby's first bath.