Bathing your newborn for the first time can be a scary experience. They are so tiny and hard to handle, especially when wet! It’s important to make bath time a joyful and comfortable experience for baby and you. The last thing you want is a baby that is afraid of taking a bath.
One thing you want to remember is that newborns do not need to be bathed every day. Their skin is very sensitive and can become easily irritated. Every 3 or so days is sufficient until your baby is actually crawling around and getting messy. In between baths you can wipe baby’s face, neck and genital area with a clean cloth.
These 7 tips for bathing a newborn baby will help all the new mommies feel a little more at ease.
- One of the most important baby products to have, is an infant bath tub, preferably one that fits in your kitchen sink. This makes it easier on your back! Or trythe European style baby bath tub, the Tummy Tub. This baby bath tub is designed like the shape and size of a mother’s womb, so baby will feel right at home.
- Before beginning to bathe your baby, get your bath supplies ready and set them up next to your tub. You will need a soft hooded baby towel, a couple of wash cloths, baby wash and shampoo. Open the baby wash so you don’t have to be fumbling with a cap while the baby is in the tub. Have the towel laid open on the counter so that you can just wrap the baby up when finished bathing.
- Get the bath tub ready. Place the tub in the sink and fill with warm water. Make sure to check the temperature of the water before placing baby in the tub. The best way to check the water temperature is to use a bath thermometer. There are some really cute thermometers that can be placed in the water and they will either change color to let you know the temperature is safe or they have an instant read thermometer on them.
- Undress your baby and gently lower the baby into the tub making sure to support his /her head and spine with your arm while using your other hand to gently pour water over the baby’s body. Once the baby is in the tub you can wet a wash cloth, burp cloth, or cloth diaper and place it over the baby’s body while bathing. This helps to keep him / her from getting cold. And if it’s a boy it keeps you from getting a special shower! Continue to wet the cloth with warm water so it doesn’t get cold. Make sure to continue to support your baby while bathing.
- Now it’s time to start washing your baby. You only need to use a drop of a gentle baby wash. Remember, a baby’s skin is very sensitive and using too much soap or a harsh soap can irritate the skin. Try using natural baby skin care products. The same goes for shampoo, you only need a drop. Most baby washes can also be used on the hair. Use the wash cloth to rinse the soap from baby’s body and hair. Rather then pouring water on the baby’s head to remove the soap, which can startle the baby and cause soap to get in his / her eyes, use the wash cloth directly on the head and gently squeeze water out of the cloth while wiping toward the back and sides of the head.
- When you are finished washing your baby, slide your arm under baby making sure to support the head and spine, and gently place the baby on the hooded towel you have prepared. Wrap baby up quickly so he /she doesn’t get cold.
- Gently dry baby with the towel and use a soothing baby lotion all over baby’s skin. Again, only use a small amount and try to use natural skin care products that will not irritate baby’s sensitive skin. Now dress your baby in a comfy, cute outfit.
That’s all there is to giving your infant a bath. As he / she grows and becomes stronger it will be easier and be more fun for the both you and baby.
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