Many newborns are bathed right away because let’s face it… they’re covered in bodily fluids and a goopy cheesy stuff called vernix. BUT, hold up… these very things are actually very beneficial for baby!
Vernix is loaded with antimicrobial properties that protect against infection. It’s an amazing natural moisturizer and helps regulate the baby’s temperature. Also, baby is covered with mom’s beneficial bacteria from her vaginal tract and this helps to colonize the baby’s skin, sinus and gut microbiome.
Babies aren’t born dirty. In fact, that first bath can be delayed a few days, even up to a week, without any issues. This gives the vernix time to be absorbed, providing all its benefits.
So, don’t rush to bathe your newborn. Instead, take advantage of nature’s gift. Remember to include this in your birth plan and discuss it with your doctor or midwife. That first bath can wait.
Yeah my hospital didn’t give me a choice they just took my baby and gave her a sponge bath in another room even though my birth plan said I wanted to bathe her at home.
Never washed my newborn till after day 3
The baby’s been there fpr 40 wks why they need extra week?
Gross. I’m glad my baby isn’t handed to me with cheese.
We don’t need to do this anymore. We are not cave men and we have heat indoors now. Just stop