What is going on here? A newborn swaddle bath! Let me break it down for you. In case you didn’t know, newborns generally hate baths. Why? Because they are (almost) the complete opposite of the womb-like conditions they used to know and love. The womb is dark, the womb is cozy, they feel secure in their fetal sac, and the one thing that is similar to a bath is they are surrounded by warm water (well sort of). *Disclaimer* Before your baby can take their first fully submerged bath, make sure their umbilical cord stump has fallen off (around 2 weeks). Before that, you can give them a wash cloth bath/clean-up. Ok back to the swaddle bath, in order to prevent the general hate and fussiness newborns have towards baths, you can first swaddle them in a light-weight blanket and let that thing go along for the ride the whole entire bath! Before you go for the process, lay out all of your supplies. You’ll be so glad you did. Diaper, hooded towel, wash cloth, scalp brush, gentle soap, cup for pouring, & cozy outfit for after. The water should be about 100 degrees in temp (sounds crazy but they like what they like!). They have the little bath ducks as seen that tell you if it’s ready. You can also just test with your elbow to make sure it isn’t too hot. Supporting your baby’s head and neck the entire time, you’ll lower their swaddled body into the water and begin with cleaning their face with a wash cloth, washing their hair, and then working your way down by only removing one limb at a time from the swaddle. They may even love it! The stress level will be light years lower than if you do this unswaddled. It really works! You’ll finish with their tummy and bottom and then back them into that cozy hooded towel you’ll have up against you. Then right into the laid out outfit. Don’t test their level of cool!
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