A TikTok mom admitted that she wouldn't be wiping or bathing her newborn baby for one month to preserve the health benefits. Shahnta Hoare, 24, gave birth to her fourth child last Friday, May 6, and revealed that her son has yet to have his first real bath.
In her TikTok post, Hoare said that there are many health benefits to her approach of delaying the baby's first bath. For one thing, the mom believes this will help provide a protective and antimicrobial barrier on his skin. For another thing, she said that the delay would also help regulate the baby's body temperature. She also believes that soaps, even those made for babies, are more harmful to their sensitive skin.
When Hoare gave birth to her son, Ozzy, she didn't wipe the vernix caseosa off him. The vernix caseosa is the cream-colored biofilm that covers the baby in the womb during the final trimester of the pregnancy. The mom shared that the vernix caseosa has a "super, super moisturizing effect" on her son, and she loves that it's on the creases of his neck, arms and legs as well.
@hoareboys Reply to @leylaniramos14 ♬ original sound - Shahnta Hoare
Health Experts Recommend It
The young mom said that she and her husband agreed to the arrangement amid the criticisms she received from her TikTok followers. Some of the comments found the practice too gross and unhygienic.
Hoare acknowledged the criticisms but stated that the substance on her baby's skin naturally comes off. She swears, however, that when her followers have newborns and try not to wash off the vernix caseosa, they will realize she's right.
Some mothers also said that it's the first time they have heard of delaying the newborn's bath. However, several health experts do recommend preserving the vernix caseosa. The World Health Organization and the International Childbirth Education Association conducted separate studies in 2017 that stated a newborn baby's first bath must be done at least after the 24th hour from birth so that this protective substance will not wash off right away.
Dr. John Whyte from WebMD also told the New York Post that some experts suggest delaying the bath for a week. He said, however, that a month's delay may be too long.
How Often Should Newborns Bathe?
Newborn babies don't require a skincare regimen or grooming products. In their case, "less is more" is more appropriate so that their body's natural oil will be protected, according to John Hopkins Medicine.
The medical agency also said that newborns need two or three baths a week using "fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic products." Preemie babies, however, may need special moisturizers since their skin tends to be drier and thinner.
For cradle caps or what may seem like baby dandruff, John Hopkins Medicine suggests using olive oil or petroleum jelly to prevent crusting. However, if the condition worsens, a pediatrician might need to prescribe an antifungal product.
