Question
When can newborns begin to take a bath? What precautions should be taken during bathing?
Answer
The umbilical cord of a newborn typically falls off within the first two weeks after birth. Before the umbilical cord falls off, it is important to avoid letting water flow onto the area to prevent infection. You can use waterproof patches to protect the umbilical cord during bathing. Once the umbilical cord has fallen off, you can bathe normally, but still, pay attention to keeping the area dry and clean. It is recommended to gently wipe the umbilical cord with a cotton swab after bathing to keep it dry. If you notice redness, swelling, discharge, or an unusual odor around the umbilical cord, contact a pediatrician or a professional medical staff immediately. Additionally, since newborns have poor temperature regulation abilities, the water temperature for bathing should be moderate, usually slightly cooler than that for adults, around 37 to 38 degrees Celsius. The bath time should also not be too long, generally controlled within 10 minutes. After bathing, immediately wrap the baby in a large bath towel to avoid catching a cold. For the bathing and care of newborns, it is best to have assistance from the pediatric health department in a hospital or from a nurse who has received professional training.