BABY BATH MYTHS AND TIPS

Our experts

• Pauline Wee is an assistant director at the obstetric wards of the Nursing Division at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

• Wong Boh Boi is an assistant director of clinical services and senior parentcraft/lactation consultant in Thomson Parentcraft Centre at Thomson Medical Centre.

She looks so fragile! Is it really okay for me to bathe my newborn?

Pauline: All babies are bathed the day they are born, and daily in the hospital. When you’re home, you should continue to do so every day to keep her clean and fresh. Keep each session to only five to 10 minutes at the most. Any longer and she might catch a chill. Make sure you cradle your baby’s neck and back with one arm, while you bathe her with the other.

How can I tell if the water temperature is just right?

Pauline: The water should be warm, not hot. The easiest and fastest way to test the temperature is to dip your elbow into the water. If it feels fine, it will be all right for Baby.

Grandma says rubbing traditional Ruyi oil on the tummy after bath helps reduce “wind”. How safe is that?

Boh Boi: Any baby oil – when used with proper massage techniques – works just as well. But do not apply the oil directly to her skin (to prevent irritation). Put a few drops in your hands and rub them before massaging Baby. Warm hands are more soothing; cold hands may startle her and make her cry.
And when using it, be sure not to apply directly onto Baby’s skin. Rub the oil with your hands first, then apply with baby massage techniques.

When’s the best time to give a bath?

Boh Boi: It doesn’t matter if it’s morning or evening, so long as she is not hungry or crying. I’d recommend that you give her a good, thorough bath in the morning and a quick soak in the evening before bedtime to help her sleep better. Overdue babies tend to have slightly drier skin because they lose their protective vernix coating. You may want to apply moisturiser after the bath to keep her tender skin soft.

(to be continued…)

Read the September 2011 issue of Young Parents for the full story, and more local tips to make you a better mum or dad.