Bathing too frequently can cause problems for your newborn or preemie's skin. Whether you bathe with a sponge or in a tub, you'll want to be aware of the best practices.
BEB Organic Bubbly Wash is the #1 preemie-specialized baby wash used in hospitals and is trusted by NICU nurses to safely cleanse your baby’s skin. Our Bubbly Wash is a moisturizing baby wash and shampoo with healthy ingredients to safely keep skin clean, pH balanced, and properly moisturized (but always free of the bad stuff like toxins and harsh chemicals).
You'll see how to bathe your baby in 10 simple steps right below. Keep reading or skip down to see the steps :).
By giving you products specifically developed for the unique needs of premature or fragile skin, BEB Organic empowers parents to protect and nourish baby skin like never before. Using typical generic products - the usual suspects - on preemie skin is like giving someone a pat on the back when what they really need is a nice long hug.
For some parents, the exciting experience of baby's first bath happens in the NICU, so you have the support of your nurses. But at home, giving baby their first bath on your own might be a little scary.
One hundred percent of babies will experience dermatitis in their first year of life!
But even if you see red bumps and patches, you probably don't need to worry.
Preemies, with their vulnerable skin, are prone to skin issues. Whether it’s eczema, cradle cap, diaper rash, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or perioral dermatitis, all babies have some form of it.
Many are temporary and treatable with natural organic products that soothe the symptoms and nurture the body from the outside in—that's why we're sharing our BEB Organic Ultimate Baby Wash Guide.
How to safely wash your baby in 10 simple steps:
Before you begin, a trip to the toilet might be a good idea so you don’t have the need while you're holding a wet, slippery baby.
1. Pick a place.
If you're in the NICU, don't worry, the nurses there will take great care of both you AND your little one. They'll have a special tub for you.
Whether it is your kitchen sink or an infant bathtub, set up your supplies before you start. But make sure it’s at a level that’s comfortable for you, so you’re not distracted by aching back or arms.
2. Checklist List for Bubbly Wash Bathtime- Tub/Sink (best to put a pad or towel under the tub for extra water)
- Thermometer
- Towel(s)
- Diaper
- BEB Organic Bubbly Wash
- BEB Organic Nurturing Oil for a gentle massage or touch therapy after Bubbly Wash
- BEB Organic Diaper Balm for healthy protection against diaper rash
- Clothes/Pajamas/Hat
Through the whole process of washing your baby, stay within arm’s reach! Don’t lose focus for even one second by answering the door, phone, or needing the toilet.
3. Talk through the process with your baby.
Let them know what you are doing as you are doing it, and more importantly, what they will be experiencing.
Babies begin to understand much earlier than most parents think, so sharing your words is a great gift. Gentle tones and slow movements will help babies learn to enjoy and anticipate the bathing process with happiness.
This is a good time to take their temperature. A normal underarm temperature is between 97.5 and 99.3 F. Because preemies get cold easily, you'll want to keep track of whether or not her temperature stays regulated. It is helpful to be in a warm room for bath time.
4. After you fill the tub, use your wrist to check the temperature, or use the thermometer.
It should be about body temp. If using a tub, gently place your baby in it, feet first. This gives their body time to adjust to the water and process.
5. Start with the face (but save hair for last).
Your newborn baby loses a lot of heat through their head, and heat loss is a significant problem for preemies, so do your little one's hair at the end.
BEB Organic Bubbly Wash is perfect from head to toe – for body or hair.
Wash baby's face with a gentle cloth or silk sponge starting at the inner corner of one eye, gently wiping toward the outer corner. Use a different bit of cloth or sponge for the other eye. If you are worried about getting cleanser in the eye area, then skip the cleanser for face. If you do get cleanser in the eye, don't worry. Bubbly Wash is ocular tested and eye-safe.
As you move down the body, remember to get the germ-catching skin folds—behind the ears, around the neck, underarms, and in the diaper area. A buildup of milk, formula, skin cells and other substances can cause the skin to crack and become more susceptible to infection.
6. Finish washing their front then flip, if possible.
Use one hand to gently cup their face and neck, support their body against your forearm, and use your other hand to slowly turn them over to wash the backside. If your NICU nurse recommends a different process, definitely follow their lead.
7. Dry immediately.Body heat is lost 5x faster through water than it is through air—a challenge for any baby, but even more intense for preemies. Your little one's body temperature can drop quickly while they're wet or damp after bath. When you are finished washing, spread a soft bath towel across your chest so you can bring baby up to you and can quickly wrap them up to cuddle, soothe, and gently dry their body.
8. Remember, your squeaky clean baby will be slippery as an eel.Position your hands under their arms and hold on firmly (but not too tight!) as you lift them out of the bath. Use your pointer fingers to support their head as you lift.
9. Don’t forget the after-bath skin treatment.
Even a few minutes of post-bath baby massage with BEB Organic Nurturing Oil or BEB Organic Silky Cream can help increase your preemie’s weight. Massage also supports their brain development as well as their fine and large motor skills, and provides a perfect opportunity to bond. If your little one has baby acne or eczema, be sure to treat those spots with BEB Organic Soothing Serum.
10. Last but not least, apply BEB Organic Diaper Balm.With this fierce protection helping prevent bacteria developing into diaper rash, diaper and dress your sweet-smelling baby, knowing that scent comes from products that will help your preemie be her strongest.
Tip:
Try to wash your baby in chlorine-free water. Chlorine—found in most public water—is damaging to skin, especially very tender, thin preemie skin that’s still growing into its most robust thickness. At home you can get a simple de-chlorinator attachment for your faucet (easily available online or at most hardware stores) to ensure your baby’s water is safe and gentle to her skin.
