#asktheexpert Is it safe to give bath to new born just after birth with body wash?

A. It’s generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours after birth before giving your baby their first bath This delay helps keep the baby warm and allows the natural protective coating on their skin, called vernix, to stay intact for a bit longer Vernix has immune properties an helps protect against infections in the first few weeks, sponge baths are usually recommended until the umbilical cord stump falls off and heals completely After that, you can start giving your baby regular baths, but it’s not necessary to bathe them every day. Bathing two to three times a week is sufficient to keep them clean without drying out their sensitive skin