Many hospitals give newborns a daily bath during their stay, continuing until discharge. After returning home, many families hire a postpartum caregiver (commonly referred to as a "yuesao" in some cultures), who also performs daily bathing and infant massage.

🛁 Pre-Bath Preparation

1. Adjust the Room Temperature

• In winter, the ideal room temperature is 24–26°C, which ensures the baby doesn’t feel cold when undressed.

• In summer, maintain a room temperature of 26–28°C. It’s best to turn off the air conditioner before bath time to prevent the baby from catching a chill afterward.

2. Prepare Necessary Items

• Bathtub: Choose a baby bathtub that fits your needs. A non-slip bath mat is recommended for safety.

• Water Thermometer: Although some bathtubs come with a temperature sensor, a dedicated thermometer provides more accurate readings.

  Ideal bathwater temperature: 38–40°C
  Add cold water first, then mix in hot water while stirring, adjusting based on the thermometer reading.

• Baby Shampoo & Body Wash:
  Use only 1–2 times per week. If your baby dislikes hair washing, try using a shampoo cap.
  For long hair or cradle cap, gently cleanse with baby shampoo, especially around the soft fontanelle.

• Bath Towel & Massage Oil:
  Lay out a soft bath towel in advance on a bed or changing table. If you plan to give your baby a massage afterward, prepare baby-safe massage oil.

• Moisturizing Lotion:
  If daily massages keep your baby’s skin soft, moisturizer might not be necessary.
  However, if the skin appears dry, use a fragrance-free baby lotion to avoid irritation.

⚠️ Bathing Precautions

1. Check the Umbilical Cord Area
The umbilical stump typically falls off within 1–2 weeks. During this time:

• Disinfect the area twice daily

• Keep the navel dry to prevent infection.

2. Bathing Frequency

• You can bathe your baby 1–2 times a week, or daily with plain water.

• Use shampoo or body wash only 1–2 times per week to preserve the baby’s natural skin oils.

3. Choose the Right Towel

• After the bath, wrap your baby in a soft, absorbent towel.

• Pat gently rather than rubbing to avoid scratching your baby’s sensitive skin.

4. Limit Bath Time to 15 Minutes

• Babies only need basic cleansing—don’t let them soak too long.

• Even if they enjoy the water, prolonged exposure can lead to dry skin.

💆♀️ Baby Massage After Bathing

Infant massage has become a widely practiced health method in developed countries like the U.S. and Australia over the past 30 years. It is not just a trendy activity, but a beneficial therapeutic technique.

Basic Massage Steps:

1. Face: Gently stroke the eyebrows, cheeks, and forehead — stimulate smiles and calmness.

2. Chest and Abdomen: Lightly press and rub in a cross-motion over the chest, and move gently around the abdomen.

3. Arms and Hands: Massage arms by pinching and rolling slightly; don’t forget palms and fingers.

4. Legs and Feet: Use the same technique as arms; include soles and toes.

5. Back: Massage along the spine in a dividing and sweeping motion — this offers the baby full sensory stimulation and affection.