How to do a swaddle bath?

Let's get started! Remember, the explanation is just to offer guidance; feel free to do what feels most comfortable for you and your baby. 

 

We invite you to explore our Tutorial for a helpful guide. 

 

 

1. Be well prepared 

What to do for preparation

Make sure your baby is well fed, because a hungry baby is not a calm baby. Also, well-rested to avoid becoming overtired during the bath. Bathing is very intens and tiring for your little one.

Limit a small baby's bath time; adjust as your baby grows older.
Have essentials nearby: Elifant's CuddleTime Towel or another baby towel (to quickly dry your baby after a warm bath), a mild baby product, and a pacifier (if needed).
Ensure no drafts and dim lights in the bathing area.
                                                                                                        

2. Warmth is key! 

Ensure the room is warm (above 21 degrees Celsius) where your baby will be undressed, bathed, and dressed.

Fill the bath with water at 37-38 degrees Celsius. Test the water temperature using a bath thermometer or your inner forearm. 
Keep the water warm throughout the bath.

3. Swaddle time, face wash and water

Fold Elifant's Bath Swaddle into a triangle form. Make sure it's at a comfortable temperature and place your baby on top. Undress gently, covering each body part with the swaddle. Fold the three ends of the swaddle in a straight line over your baby. Make sure the swaddle covers your baby loosely with legs and arms flexed. 

Now, before going into the water, gently clean the face. Start with the eyes, with pure water and a gauze/wipes. Wipe from the nose towards the ear. Use a new gauze/wipe for the other eye. After that, the entire face can be cleaned, including the mouth, nose, cheeks, and behind the ears. Pat dry.

Transition your baby slowly into the bath, with the water up to their shoulders. If you're using a bath insert, you'll have one hand free to make washing their body easier. Without a bath insert, support your baby's head, neck, and upper back with one hand while gently bending their knees and hips into a fetal position. Gently rock your baby in the bathwater. 

Alternatively, ensure your baby keeps contact with the feet with the raised edge of the bath, while supporting their upper body. Gently rock your baby in the bathwater. 

Take your time so your baby can enjoy the soft, soothing feeling of the water while they are comfortably folded in your bath swaddle. 

4. Time to wash     

After a few minutes of relaxation in the water, it's time to wash. Dispense a mild baby product onto the back of your hand or use a pump for convenience.

Start by gently unswaddle one arm, wash, rinse, and reswaddle. Proceed to wash on the same side your baby's leg and then switch to the other side, following the same sequence for the arm, leg, tummy, neck, back, and bottom.

Ensure your baby is snugly wrapped up again before proceeding to wash their hair (if necessary). After washing, rinse hair and prevent the product from entering the eyes.

       5. Cuddle time     

drawing of a mother who is drying her baby in a CuddleTime towel that she is wearing around her neck                                                         
Once bath time is finished, carefully unswaddle your baby, leaving everything in the bath and prevent any exposure to cold. Quickly transition your clean little baby against your chest, facing you, and envelop them in Elifant's CuddleTime Towel, or a warm and clean towel. Take this opportunity to cuddle your baby, cherishing this moment of closeness. 
Ensure thorough drying, paying attention to skin folds and the umbilical cord stump if necessary. Dress your baby warmly, and enjoy bonding time.
Remember to rinse and hang the swaddle and towel to dry for future use, or wash with a gentle cycle.

                                                     

Additional Important Information:
Before giving your baby their first bath, ensure at least 24 hours have passed since birth to allow their vital functions to stabilize. Bathing too soon can risk hypothermia. Waiting 24 hours is important.


Also, unborn baby's develop a protective layer called vernix (vernix caseosa) in the womb, which is richest between 36 and 38 weeks of gestation. Post-birth, this layer hydrates the skin, guards against infections, and boosts immune defenses. Delaying washing off this layer is beneficial. Using gentle baby products is essential as the baby's skin barrier continues developing for up to 12 months after birth.

Baby's, being generally clean and with sensitive skin, do not require daily baths. Their intimate areas are cleaned multiple times a day. Bathing them 1 to 2 times a week is adequate. 

Disclaimer:
The instructions and information provided on this website are intended for educational purposes only. The content on this website should not be construed as professional advice. Following the instructions and tips on this website is entirely at your own risk. For specific advice or guidance, it is advised to consult a qualified professional. 

We shall not be held liable for any damage, loss, or injury caused by following the instructions on this website. The use of the information on this website is entirely at your own responsibility.