I have a 3 month old daughter but she was born two months early at 2 lbs 11.3 oz's, so she's actually only one month old and I was wondering how often I can give her a bath. The hospital told me to do it every other day but this was about 1 1/2 months ago and she was only 3 lbs. I also had to just wash her hair first then unwrap her from her blankets to give her a full bath. Also, having to just bath her in a matter of 5 minutes so that her body temp wouldn't fall so much. I still continue to do it in that order. Now that she's a little older, she spits more often and doesn't smell to pleasing. I want to start giving her a bath everyday instead of every other day. Can anyone give me advice as to what should I do?
Thank you to everyone who gave me some tips. I am bathing my daughter everyother day and I just do a sponge bath on the off days to freshen her up. Thanks again :-)
I also bath my baby every other day and on the days he doesn't get a bath, I just clean him up with a warm, wet towel. I don't use so much water like in a sponge bath, just enough to clean him up really well. Also, I use cetaphil on the towel because its okay if a little remains on the skin.
Sure you can give your baby a bath daily now. You did not say how much she weights now, but it sounds like she well enough to do so. Try turning on the heater before bath time so she doesn't get cold. Good luck with your little miracle, it's good to know she is doing great.
I don't see why you couldn't give her a bath everyday if you wanted too, but she really doesn't need it. Babies don't get that dirty on a day to day basis, and bathing her too much could dry out her skin. But as long as her skin seems fine and she doesn't mind it, wash her as often as you'd like.
If you are concered, you can sponge bathe her some of the time. Just take some warm water with a little soap in it and use a sponge to wipe down parts that might be sticky from spit up or her potty area.
Good luck
Every other day is still good. I think the only reason they tell you not to do it more is because it really dries there skin out.
Dear T.,
It probably will be o.k. for you to give her a bath everyday. For one thing, it is a great experience for her and will also relax her and make her sleep better and feel better just like we do after bathing. My only other suggestion would be to set up a bathing station in the bathroom so that you can close the door and be able to keep her warm longer . I know that her tiny body needs to be warm at all times. How wonderful for you to have such great baby. She is probably highly intelligent too. Sincerely, C. N.
I have a 2.5 month old little girl, we bathe her every night now. We started doing that at two months. We use Mustela products as they have no soap or alcohol in them so they are not harsh on the infant skin. She does great. I say, if your baby has aclimated to the temperature it should be fine. If she still is cold and needing to be bundled all the time I would wait. And its worht the money to pay alittle extra for such gentle and highly recommended product.
Aloha!
Here is an article, on CNN about bathing newborns. Just click this link: http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/PR/00041.html
There are also many other good articles about baby care here. Just click the links you are interested in. Yes, spit up does not make a baby smell very pleasing. A good book as well is called "What To Expect The First Year" by Arlene Eisenberg. It covers ALL kinds of topics and is a great reference for any parent. You can get it at any bookstore or online like from www.amazon.com I would recommend this book. Of course, if you are worried about anything with your baby, you should contact your Pediatrician... it's their job to answer any questions, especially from first time Moms. Good luck, hope this helps.
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo
I don't know about with a preemie but my doc told us that babies only NEED to be bathed every 2-3 days until they start crawling. He said more often is fine, just use lotion to make sure they don't dry out. His suggestion was just to use baby wipes for a good wipe down on the days we didn't give baths.
My son is going to be two next month and up until he was able to actually get into stuff and get dirty I gave him a bath every other day. It's hard on their skin to bathe them all the time in the beginning. My oldest used to spit up a lot too, I would give him wipe baths when needed.
Hi Mama.. Welcome to the source. As cute as these little ones are they get pretty stinky and unpleasant. At this point T is about the normal size of a 1 month old..She is the same size as C was at 1 month..so at that point I was washing C everyday. It gets pretty warm at your house so just get the tub out in an area that isnt drafty or cold..fill it with warm water and wash her body first then her hair and get her out. As long as you do it quick you'll be fine...I do the hair last cause then her head isnt wet and cold while your bathing the rest of her. If you got all your supplies within reach including a nice warm towel...you can definatly be done in 5 minutes. If you are gonna wash her everyday make sure you lube her up with some good lotion everyday. I do believe the best I've ever used on C's skin was that huggies cocoa butter lotion, I think I gave you one at the shower. She used to get real dry skin till I started using that after bath time. Now give T baby hugs and kisses for me and wash her stinky little bum..LOL> Luvs!
