Don’t Bathe Your Newborn Right Away – Here’s Why!
Mama Natural
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.
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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.
