Many new parents are surprised to learn that hospitals often do not bathe newborns immediately after birth. There are several reasons for this practice, which aims to support the newborn’s health and development in the first days of life.
Do hospitals wash newborns?
Hospitals generally do not give full-body baths to newborns immediately after birth. The main reasons are:
- Bathing removes vernix caseosa, the waxy coating that protects baby’s skin
- Bathing can lower baby’s temperature, causing cold stress
- Bathing can remove beneficial bacteria and interfere with establishing skin flora
- Bathing can be stressful for the newborn
However, hospitals do clean off any blood and amniotic fluid from the baby’s skin right after birth. The focus is on gently cleaning the most vital areas like face, neck, and diaper area.
What is vernix caseosa?
Vernix caseosa is a protective coating that covers the fetal skin during the last trimester of pregnancy. This cheese-like white substance is composed of sebum (skin oil), sloughed-off skin cells, and lanugo (fine hair).
Vernix offers many beneficial properties for the developing baby:
- Acts as a moisturizer and protects from water loss
- Contains antioxidants and anti-microbial proteins
- Helps regulate body temperature
- Facilitates passage through the birth canal
For these reasons, many experts advise leaving vernix on the newborn’s skin for a few days after birth. Gentle washing can begin once the vernix is fully absorbed into the skin.
How does vernix protect the newborn’s skin?
The vernix caseosa coating supports skin health and development in several key ways:
- Moisturizing – Vernix keeps the fetal skin hydrated while floating in the amniotic fluid. After birth, it acts as a natural moisturizer to prevent water loss and dryness.
- Skin barrier – Components in vernix strengthen the skin barrier function. This protects the newborn from infectious agents and toxins in the postnatal environment.
- Temperature regulation – The waxy vernix layer helps insulate the baby after birth and prevent hypothermia.
- Skin pH – Vernix creates an acidic moisture barrier that supports the skin’s acid mantle. This protects against microbes and irritants.
Overall, vernix supports skin integrity, hydration, and immune function in the first days after birth. Washing it off too soon eliminates these protective benefits.
Why do hospitals avoid bathing newborns?
Hospitals traditionally gave newborns a bath shortly after birth. But research has shown reasons to delay the first bath:
- Preserves vernix caseosa longer
- Prevents heat loss and hypothermia
- Avoids disrupting the microbiome
- Reduces stress on the newborn
- Lowers risk of hospital-acquired infections
Based on this evidence, the World Health Organization and many hospitals now recommend waiting at least 24 hours before giving a full-body bath. Some facilities wait up to 48 hours or more.
Maintaining Body Heat
Bathing a newborn too soon can lead to cold stress and hypothermia. After birth, babies cannot efficiently regulate their own body temperature. Bathing removes the insulating vernix layer and can cool the skin by several degrees.
Low body temperature causes newborns to use more energy to stay warm. This can result in low blood sugar, lethargy, and poor feeding. Hypothermia also stresses the cardiovascular system.
Avoiding Infection
Delaying the first bath helps avoid disrupting the baby’s microbiome – the beneficial bacteria living on the skin. The vernix promotes colonization by protective bacteria. Bathing washes away this microbial community, leaving the skin vulnerable to pathogenic bacteria.
Infections acquired in the hospital are a serious concern for newborns. Minimizing bathing limits exposure to hospital germs. According to some studies, delaying the first bath significantly reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Reducing Stress
Being bathed shortly after birth can be stressful and uncomfortable for the newborn. The cold temperature and handling of the bath are significant adjustments for a baby just establishing postnatal respiration and circulation.
Gentle cleansing right after delivery allows the baby to remain warmed and settled. Delaying the full bath provides time for the newborn to transition and recover from the stresses of labor.
When is it safe to bathe a newborn?
The timing of a newborn’s first bath depends on the policies of the birthing facility. In general, bathing is safer once the baby has stabilized and adjusted to postnatal life, usually within the first 1-2 days.
Signs the newborn is ready for a bath include:
- Most vernix has been absorbed into the skin
- Baby can maintain a normal body temperature
- Baby is alert and not overly stressed by handling
- Any chord stump has dried and hardened
Parents should discuss optimal bath timing with their pediatrician. Premature or medically fragile babies may need a longer delay before bathing.
How should you bathe a newborn baby?
When it is time for the first bath, follow these tips to keep your newborn safe and comfortable:
- Use a soft washcloth and plain water only – no soap or bath products
- Choose a warm room free of drafts to avoid chill
- Make sure all supplies are within easy reach
- Hold the baby securely using one hand at all times
- Focus on washing the face, neck, underarms and diaper area
- Gently pat dry the skin and wrap baby in a warm blanket after bathing
- Keep the first bath brief – 5-10 minutes
Never leave a newborn unattended in bathwater, even for a moment. Baby bath tubs and bathing aids are not safety devices. The safest way to bathe a newborn is holding them securely in your hands.
How often should newborns be bathed?
For the first year, most pediatricians recommend bathing newborns:
- Sponge baths 1-2 times per week
- Tub baths 2-3 times per week
Frequent bathing can dry out an infant’s sensitive skin. Between baths, parents can spot clean diaper and neck areas daily with warm water and a soft cloth.
Some doctors may suggest fewer baths for certain conditions like eczema, jaundice, or frequent diaper rash. The general guidelines for newborn bathing frequency are:
| Age | Recommended Bath Frequency |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 2-3 baths per week |
| 1-6 months | 3-4 baths per week |
| 6-12 months | 4-5 baths per week |
As babies become more mobile around 6 months, they often enjoy interacting during bath time. But infants should never be left alone in the bath, and all supplies should be kept out of reach.
Does bathing help babies sleep better?
Many parents find their infants sleep better after a warm bath. The reasons a nightly bath may help babies sleep include:
- Warm water is soothing and relaxing
- Establishes a consistent bedtime routine
- Cleanses awaypossible skin irritants
- Lowers body temperature which promotes sleep
However, there are a few cautions about using baths to encourage sleep:
- Avoid bathing right before bed if your baby tends to get energetic after bathing
- Make sure baby is thoroughly dried and dressed to prevent chill
- Do not bathe infants under 6 months daily due to dry skin risks
With some precautions, a nightly bath can be part of a healthy bedtime routine. But it should be avoided if it makes your baby distressed or overly stimulated before sleep.
Are sponge baths as effective as tub bathing?
Sponge baths with a soft washcloth and plain water can effectively clean newborns, especially in the early days after birth. Advantages of sponge bathing infants include:
- Keeps babies warmer than tub bathing
- Touching provides soothing stimulation
- Less stressful for babies than tub submersion
- Allows better skin inspection
- Lower risk of slippery accidents
The main disadvantage of sponge baths is they may not fully cleanse creases and folds in the skin. But for general hygiene in the first weeks of life, sponge baths are a valid option. Combining tub and sponge bathing provides the best routine as babies grow.
Conclusion
Delaying newborns’ first baths until at least 24 hours after birth supports health by preserving vernix on the skin, avoiding cold stress, minimizing infection risk, and reducing stress. Gentle sponge baths are appropriate in the first 1-2 days of life. Once the baby adjusts to postnatal life, tub bathing 2-3 times per week is recommended. With some precautions, bath time can be safe and enjoyable even for delicate newborns.