Paano Magpaligo ng Sanggol: Step-by-Step Guide

Giving your first bath to your first child can be a bit nerve-wracking. Don’t worry.  Just keep scrolling to know paano magpaligo ng sanggol.

Should I Wait Before I Give My Baby Their First Bath After Being Born?

The short answer to this question is yes. After being born, the World Health Organization recommends that parents or caregivers wait up to 24 hours before they give the baby  first sponge bath.  Why? Giving a baby a bath too early might run the risk of hypothermia or other complications. Also, this might reduce early skin-to-skin contact and mother-child bonding. Also, bathing a baby too early might cause their skin to dry out and be more prone to rashes and irritation. Lastly, parents need to wait until the umbilical cord falls off before getting the area wet to prevent moisture and contamination of bacteria. The cord typically falls off after two weeks.

How Often Should I Bathe My Baby?

Babies don’t actually need that many baths. Three to five times a week is more than enough to keep your baby clean. However, some babies particularly enjoy taking a bath. For babies like these, it’s okay to bathe them once a day. Any more than this, however, and it might cause their skin to dry out. 

Paano Magpaligo ng Sanggol?

Well, let’s get into the thick of things. Paano magpaligo ng sanggol?

1. Start by gently wiping their eyelids with cotton using lukewarm water. Wipe their eyes starting from the inner eye to the outer eye. Squeeze out the excess water from the cloth. Afterward, gently wash their whole making sure not to put any water in their nose, ears, or mouth.
2. Afterward, begin undressing your baby. Take the diaper off last.
3. While supporting your baby’s head and shoulders with one arm, with your other arm, support their entire body. 
4. While firmly and securely carrying your baby, slowly lower them into the bath feet first. 
5. Gently lower your baby into the bath in such a way that the back of their head is in the water. Gently pour some water over their head. You don’t need to use shampoo.
6. Continue gently washing other parts starting from top to bottom. 
7. IMPORTANT: If the baby is 0 to 2 weeks old, remember not to get the umbilical cord wet to avoid infection. 
8. Lastly, clean your baby’s genitals and butt. Make sure to remove any dirt or bits of poo from the baby’s creases.
9. After your baby is clean, pat them dry. 
10. Continuing to support your baby with the method earlier, lift them out of the bath and lay them over a clean and soft towel. Make sure that the towel is dry.
11.  Wrap the baby in a soft towel and gently pat baby dry, making sure that you are also drying the armpits, groin, area under the chin, around the neck, behind the knees, behind the ears, etc. 
12. Check if your baby’s skin is dry. If it is, apply an ointment or lotion that is approved by your doctor. 
13. Check for any rashes that might have come from the diaper. If there are any, apply an ointment. Ask your doctor for a proper recommendation.
14. Once your baby is dry, dress them in comfortable and cool clothing. 
15. Empty the used bathwater.

Tips

Here are some tips on paano magpaligo ng sanggol.

• Before starting the bath, make sure that you have gathered all the things that you will need.
• Try to keep the room where you will bathe the baby warm. This will make sure that the baby doesn’t experience any chills. Infants are especially sensitive to cold.
• Make sure that the temperature of the water is just above 100 F. This makes sure that the water is appropriate. 
• Soaps and baths are slippery by nature. This means that you always have to keep a firm hold on your baby when you are giving a bath.
• Never leave your baby unattended when you are giving a bath. Not even for a second. Babies are very fragile. They might end up swallowing bath water with soap, or they might end up falling in the bath.

Just follow these steps on paano magpaligo ng sanggol and see your baby grow healthy. Just always remember that infants are very fragile and sensitive, and so take utmost care when caring for them.

Learn more about Baby Care here.