What first-time parents should know about bathing newborns

Learning on the job is part of being a parent. That learning curve can be steep for anyone, but especially so for first-time parents with no personal experience to draw on.

Bathing newborns is a job many parents look back on with fondness once their children have gotten older. Bath time also can be bonding time for parents and their newborns. As first-time parents prepare to bring their newborns home, they may have some questions about bathing their babies.

When should a newborn be given his or her first bath?

Conventional wisdom has changed regarding the best time to first bathe a newborn. The World Health Organization now recommends bathing a newborn for the first time 24 hours after birth.

Why wait to bathe a newborn?

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that there are a handful of reasons why it's best to wait. According to the AAP, babies who are given baths right away may be more vulnerable to cold and hypothermia. An early bath also can increase the likelihood babies experience a drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycemia.

Another reason to wait to bathe a newborn is to avoid any interruption to bonding and breastfeeding between mother and child. Taking the baby away from mom too early can compromise skin-to-skin care that can make it harder to successfully breastfeed. In fact, a 2013 study published in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine found that delaying a baby's first bath for 12 hours led to a 166 percent increase in hospital breastfeeding success.

Before babies are born, their skin is coated in a waxy white substance known as vernix. The AAP recommends leaving vernix on a newborn's skin for awhile so it does not dry out. The AAP notes this is especially important for babies born prematurely, as their skin is highly vulnerable to injury.

Does my newborn need a daily bath?

Babies do not need daily baths, as they do not sweat much and do not typically get dirty enough to require a full bath. The AAP notes that three baths per week during the child's first year may be enough.

What if I bathe my child more often?

Babies should be bathed when they get dirty. However, if the child does not require a bath, bathing too often can lead to dry skin that can prove painful.

Bathing a newborn is an experience many parents will cherish forever. First-time parents can heed the latest advice regarding bathing newborns to ensure it's enjoyable for children and parents alike.