Do you want your baby handed to you immediately after the birth or should he be cleaned first? In recent years most babies were wiped down with a towel immediately after birth before mum or dad got a chance to hold them. Nowadays choice is the keyword! It’s your decision.
Research shows that the greasy film covering your baby, vernix, is a wonderful source of moisture for your baby’s delicate skin. And if you don’t wipe it off, it is reabsorbed. So your baby will be less likely to develop dry skin patches. Pre-term babies have much more of this protective layer than full-term babies.
In the womb your baby is submerged in amniotic fluid, so vernix is absolutely necessary for providing waterproof protection. After birth, however, mother nature may need a helping hand!
Returning home can be daunting for new parents. Giving baby his first bath can be terrifying!
Your baby does not need a special bath although many parents are well tooled up for the new arrival. A clean sink or the big bath will suffice!
Probably the main worry for parents is getting the water temperature correct. After ensuring you have all baby’s bits and...