No-bathe bathing trend
New year, more new year trends. It has been reported more and more parents are deciding to delay their baby’s first bath.
Netmums have said new mums are choosing to leave their baby’s waxy coat in place for hours even days after their baby’s birth.
The reason for this? Leaving baby in its newborn coating keeps the baby in contact with the vernix for longer. The vernix is a protective substance that coats the baby’s body while in the womb. Health officials advise it should always be left to absorb into a newborn’s skin because it is a natural moisturiser that protects against infection.
The World Health Organisation recommends babies are not bathed in the first six hours of their life, but after that time washing with water will not harm your baby.
Dr Webberley, GP for Oxford Online Pharmacy, told HuffPost UK Parents:
“The waxy vernix is marvellous at protecting the unborn baby as it grows, over a nine month period, in what is effectively a bath of water in the womb.
“Once the baby is born, it is natural instinct for mum to wash the baby and make him or her clean, warm, cosy and ready to face the world. This is an important element of bonding between mother and baby – and also between the baby and dad and other family members.
“Sweaty, blood-stained mum doesn’t mind a waxy, blood-stained baby – but dad and big sister might.
“There is no medical reason not to bath the baby. As long as the bath is nice and warm and the baby doesn’t cool down when being dried and dressed, then there is no harm done.”
“Equally, there doesn’t have to be a mad rush to clean the baby and bonding and breast-feeding are more important.”