The arrival of a new baby is always special and a reason to celebrate. Cultures around the world have special rituals to welcome their babies and in Nigeria, A baby’s first traditional bath is sacred and very important.

Babies are traditionally given their first bath by their grandmother. This usually consists of intense scrubbing with palm oil and the natural hard sponge to get off all the vernix (whitish substance) to allow the pores to open and prevent body odour in the baby. Some bath babies in herbal concoctions such as rosemary leaves, chalk e.t.c

Some bend the babies arms backwards, hold babies upside down, massage babies head and toss in the air. All to ensure increased flexibility and have a well-formed head. Some even press babies cheeks inwards to form dimples and rub all sorts on the babies skin to elicit a sheen. The eyelashes of some babies are painted with local paint (tiro) while the umbilical cord is pressed with hot lantern and other forms of decoctions.

This practice though generationally is fraught with so many risks and many babies have landed in the hospital due to these, mothers should nicely educate their grandmothers or encourage them to follow them when they go for antenatal care, so they can be educated about the negative effect of these traditional practices.

The bath with a hard sponge is harmful to babies soft skin has it removes the protective barrier and gives room for septic rashes and pemphigus while pouring palm oil and herbal mixtures, baby can swallow or aspirate them leading to poisoning, choking or death.

Twisting babies in different positions can lead to fracture or even affect the nerves and cause certain body deformities for life. A baby who is thrown up may not be caught if the grandmother loses her balance. Always choose your babies health and safety over every other thing. A simple clean bath is enough for a healthy skin and a healthy baby.