Should you bathe your new born daily? My Pediatrician says, “No not everyday. Bathe your newborn every other day or every three, use Butt Paste regularly to fight off diaper rash.” He says the reasoning is that daily baths can be too drying on their skin. Most literature on newborn routines say, “bathe daily as part of your night time routine.” My sister says, “Heck yes! Bathe that boy everyday!” My girlfriend, a new mom says, “Heck No! I don’t bathe my newborn everyday, her skin cannot handle it.” Over the last 7 weeks my opinion on this has changed multiple times. This is another classic example of trust your instinct, your baby's cues and possibly your nose too!
I am all for daily baths, but I am not for super dry flaky skin that can come as a result. I also have to admit that right now I am still so tired from our already packed routine of feedings, diaper changes, play time and nap time, that missing a bath is really not going to upset either one of us. No bath, no Harm no Foul.
As usual I think it all boils down to the baby and the mother's preference. At first I followed the pediatricians recommendation and wouldn’t consider a daily bath. I would wipe Ollie down at night around his neck and face. I also use cotton balls to wipe off his eyes, one for each eye, everyday bath or not.
Now that Spring is here and the temperatures have spiked over night, daily baths have become the norm. Between the spit ups, the sweaty neck, the frequent dirty diapers and fear of a gnarly Cradle Cap. Of course I am using baby wash and shampoo and slathering on a great baby lotion after bath to stave off dry itchy skin.
Just like with everything else right now for me, a clueles first time mom, I am taking it one day at a time in regard to baths too. If Ollie is funky, I bathe him. I expect that the summer months will cause a regularly funky baby. The other great bonus of the daily bath is that Ollie seems to love them. It’s a Win-Win! Ollie is happy and so is his booty!
Now that Spring is here and the temperatures have spiked over night, daily baths have become the norm. Between the spit ups, the sweaty neck, the frequent dirty diapers and fear of a gnarly Cradle Cap. Of course I am using baby wash and shampoo and slathering on a great baby lotion after bath to stave off dry itchy skin.
Just like with everything else right now for me, a clueles first time mom, I am taking it one day at a time in regard to baths too. If Ollie is funky, I bathe him. I expect that the summer months will cause a regularly funky baby. The other great bonus of the daily bath is that Ollie seems to love them. It’s a Win-Win! Ollie is happy and so is his booty!
