How to bathe your newborn? …with Baby Dove

Monday, August 20, 2018

This post is sponsored by Baby Dove. All opinions are my own.




When I announced I was pregnant, I was SO excited to be invited to my first “baby” event with Baby Dove.  We were given the best tips by a pediatric dermatologist: Dr. Gonzalez. At the time, I did not know what to ask- I was just absorbing all the knowledge so I could use it when baby Nico was here. I was SO ecstatic to learn that Baby Dove products were specifically designed for a baby’s delicate skin and we couldn’t wait to try them.

But I’m not going to lie; as a first-time mom, I was terrified of bath time. That’s the reason why this post took me a little longer to write, but now that I feel like a pro and it’s my favorite time of the day to bond with Nico. Keep reading for some tips on how to bathe your little one that have been working for us; and what Baby Dove products I’ve been using and loving. 






DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
We both took baby classes before birth. However, knowing the theory part of anything is a completely different story than reality. I found myself with a 6-pound tiny human and I was afraid of hurting him.

During Nico’s first few baths, we had our mothers with us- especially because I still wasn’t feeling well.  It can be your mom, an aunt, a cousin, a friend with kids…it will give you more confidence and you’ll be an expert in no time.



A SPONGE BATH FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS 

Until the umbilical stump falls off, which can take up to 3 weeks to fall, a sponge bath is all your baby needs. Also, the nurses at the hospital shared that at this time, it’s not necessary to wash him every day.
For the sponge bath, we used the bath cushion, but you can also use a golden towel or blanket to lay the baby. We would wet and wring a small towel with a bit of the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Tip to Toe Wash and carefully rub it all over his body- and then rinse it with another small towel with just water.  Pay special attention to the diaper area and under the chin (because of spit ups).

When the umbilical stump falls off, the bathroom or kitchen sink are the best options. For us, the guest bathroom sink with the bath cushion ended up being the most comfortable option. 







TAKE YOUR TIME TO PREPARE
Before heading to the bathroom, take everything you need and have it ready to go: the bath cushion, towels (I use three: a big one to wrap him and two little ones: one for his face and another one to dry his hair), the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Tip to Toe Wash. the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Lotion, a clean diaper, diaper rash cream, what he is wearing next (for us, it’s always comfortable PJs since we bathe him at night), a hair brush, etc. That way, everything will be in reach and the process will be smoother.

Let’s talk temperature. A baby’s skin is more sensitive than yours; reason why, what might feel perfectly warm for you is too hot for the little one. Instead of testing the water with your hand, do it with your elbow or the inside of your wrist.
Also, we like turning off the A/C as soon as we put him in the sink to make sure that when we take him out, it’s not too cold for him.





 USE GENTLE PRODUCTS
I love knowing that the Baby Dove products I’m using are dermatologist and pediatrician tested and recommended, hypoallergenic, and created with no dyes, parabens, or phthalates. Also, they are ultra-gentle for newborn skin and made with 100% skin-natural nutrients formulated to minimize damage and replenish a baby’s delicate skin.

We have been using the Rich Moisture line but if your little one has sensitive skin, the Sensitive Moisture collection is probably the right fit for your family.

I really like the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Tip-To-Wash, it produces a rich and creamy lather that helps retain the natural skin moisture. Plus, the fragrance is not overwhelmingly strong, but it has that sweet new baby smell!





MAKE IT A ROUTINE
We have incorporated bath time into our own little night routine and since then, he is sleeping better and for a longer period of time.

Around 30 minutes before his last night feeding, usually around 9-10pm, we start prepping the sink.  It takes us around 10-15 minutes to bathe him because he really enjoys it. He could be super fussy, but his face instantly lights up when he feels the water. 

Since he was born with a full head of hair, we wash his hair daily, but he would get too cold when taking him out of the sink because of the wet hair. So, I start washing his hair and then I dry it with a little towel- and then I moved to wash his body. That way, his hair is dry, and he is happy the whole time. After wrapping him in the towel, I head to the bedroom where I quickly put his diaper to avoid any messes.


Then it’s LOTION + MASAGGE TIME!

Did you know your baby’s skin is 30% thinner than yours? This means that they lose moisture quicker than us; so it’s important to not only keep it clean but also moisturized. I’m absolutely loving the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Lotion for many reasons. It leaves his skin SO soft and delicately scented. Plus, I give him a little massage. Following Dr. Gonzalez’s tips, I warm the gentle lotion by rubbing it between my hands and using gentle pressure I start with his feet and move my way up.

 After the massage, Nico is so relaxed, and he falls as sleep as soon as he is finished eating.






ENJOY IT
My last tip is just to enjoy it! Bath Time quickly became my favorite time to bond with Nico- especially because I trust my way!!.  He is now 3 months and he laughs the whole time- my heart just melts!



What did I miss? Share yours tips on bathing a newborn with a fellow mommy below!  XOXO






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