Bathing Baby

Bathing Baby

You are just home from the hospital with your precious baby.  Reality is now setting in, where to begin?  You know you are going to be the best parent ever, no question there.  Then you realize there are so many other things to consider.  Besides loving your baby with beyond any emotion you have ever experienced you need to keep your baby well fed, warm and clean.

The first bath can be intimidating for all parents, experienced or otherwise.  Here's how to bathe baby and what you'll need to make baby-bathing easy. With any luck, his bath will become one of the most enjoyable parts of your days together:

1.Assemble all necessary bath accessories close to the bathing area and in easy reach.

2. Fill the tub with 2 to 3 inches of water that feels warm but not hot, about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).  You can dip your elbow in and if the water feels luke warm that is about right.

3. Make sure the bathing area is warm and free of drafts.  Bring your baby to the bath area and undress him completely.

4. Gradually slip your baby into the tub, using one hand to support his neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over him regularly during the bath so he doesn't get too cold.  Some parents find the Spa Baby Tub a great way to bathe baby as the baby is never really without water and stays snug and warm throughout the bath time.

5. Use soap sparingly (it dries your baby's skin) as you wash him with your hand or a washcloth from top to bottom, front to back. Gently wash his scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. Use a moistened cotton ball to clean his eyes and face. As for your baby’s genitals, a routine washing is all that is needed. If dried mucus has collected in the corner of your baby's nostrils or eyes, dab it several times with a small section of a moistened washcloth to soften it before you wipe it out.

6. Rinse your baby thoroughly with a clean washcloth.

7. Wrap your baby in a hooded towel and pat him dry.  The Kangaroo Towel is a product that is highly recommended.  You wear this hooded towel while bathing baby, then when you are ready to take the baby out of the tub, just slip him into the towels pouch.  Baby never gets cold and you can cuddle and make baby feel secure immediately.

8.  If his skin is dry, or if he has a bit of a diaper rash, you may want to apply a mild lotion after his bath.

Although some parents bathe their babies every day, until yours is crawling around and getting into messes, a bath isn't really necessary more than once or twice a week. (Just wash his face frequently and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change.) When you do bathe him, you may find it a little scary to handle your wiggly little one when he's all soapy and slippery, so keep a good grip. Most babies find the warm water very soothing.