Some parents get a little discouraged at the idea of bathing a newborn for the first time. It is vital that the baby feels safe and comfortable, especially during the first months of life, but during bath time it can be more complicated. With the right tools and a little practice, bath time can become a fun and joyful experience for both of you, while also being a perfect time to forge a closer bond. Read on to learn how to prepare a baby's bath, how to safely wash it and soothe it after you're done.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part One: Prepare the Baby Bath
Step 1. Prepare everything before starting
When the baby is in the tub, you don't have to leave it for even a second, so it's important to have everything you need close at hand before you begin.
- Get everything you need, including the tub, a cup to pour water, mild baby soap, two wipes, and some cotton wool pads to clean the baby's eyes and ears.
- If you prefer, also prepare some toys to distract the baby during the bath.
- Prepare everything you need after bath time, leaving a towel, brush or comb, baby lotion or oil, diaper, chafing cream, and clean clothes nearby.
- You need to have some alcohol on hand to disinfect the umbilical cord area in case it is still attached.
Step 2. Choose suitable clothes, preferably clothes that you are willing to get wet
Roll up the sleeves, remove any jewelry, watches, rings and bracelets. Be careful that there are no zippers or pins, as they could scratch the baby's skin. Many parents prefer to wear a terry bathrobe when bathing their baby.
Step 3. Prepare the pan
This type of baby baths are designed to support both the neck and the head. There is also usually a mat or strap to prevent the baby from slipping into the water. Place the tub in a clean sink, bathtub, or bathroom floor according to the model directions.
- If you don't have a baby tub, you can also use the kitchen sink after cleaning it thoroughly. But make sure the tap is not too close to the baby's head. There are protections to be attached to the taps precisely for these eventualities.
- Do not use the adult bath. It is too deep for a newborn, which makes it difficult to ensure that the baby does not slip and is not completely submerged in water.
- If the tub does not have the appropriate accessories to prevent the baby from slipping, spread a towel inside or a non-slip mat.
Step 4. Fill the tub with a few inches of warm water
Check the running water temperature. Use your elbow, wrist, or a special thermometer to make sure it's not too hot or cold. The temperature should be warm, pleasant to the touch, but not as hot as the one you prefer to take a shower.
- If the baby still has the umbilical cord attached, fill a bowl with water to simply do some sponging.
- Always check the water before you immerse your baby in it.
- If in doubt, try to make it colder rather than hot. Your hands are less sensitive than a baby's skin, which will feel the heat more than you.
- Do not overfill the tray, 4 or 5 centimeters of water will suffice. Babies should never be completely submerged. As your baby gets older, you can use more water, but never immerse your whole body in it.
Method 2 of 3: Second Part: Bathe Your Baby
Step 1. First place the baby's feet in the tub
Support your back, neck, and head with one hand as you rest it. Continue to support it with one hand throughout the bath, using the other to wash it.
Babies move around a lot and get slippery as soon as they get wet, so be very careful
Step 2. Start washing the baby
Use a cup or the cord of your hand to wet it. With a soft washcloth, wash his face, body, arms and legs.
- Use cotton balls to dry your eyes and ears.
- If you prefer, you can use a neutral baby cleanser, but it's not essential; a little water and a few scrubs are enough to keep the baby clean. Don't forget to also clean behind the ears and neck, or between the folds of the skin where sweat accumulates.
- Pour some mild baby detergent on the washcloth to clean your hands and feet.
- Clean the private parts at the end, using a drop of soap if you prefer. If your baby has been circumcised, wash him gently with a wet washcloth. Girls should be cleaned from front to back to avoid infections.
Step 3. Wash your hair
If you need to wash his hair as well, tilt it back and gently massage the head with water. Use a cup to pour it. If you prefer, add some baby shampoo as well, but this is usually not necessary. Babies are born with all the natural oils needed to keep their skin healthy, and shampooing can ruin that balance.
- If you decide to use a baby shampoo, use your hand to protect the baby's eyes from the soap.
- Before rinsing, check the running water temperature again.
Step 4. Lift the baby out of the tub
Support your head, neck, and back with one arm, while holding your bottom and legs with the other. Lay it on top of a towel, gently covering its head.
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: After Bath
Step 1. Dry the baby
Start with the torso, but don't forget to dry the area behind the ears and between the folds of the skin to get rid of excess water. Dry your hair as much as possible with a towel.
Remember that baby thin hair dries quickly. Do not use a hair dryer, it is not necessary and is potentially dangerous
Step 2. If necessary, apply a moisturizer
Follow your doctor's directions if you have a circumcision or diaper rash.
- You can apply baby cream, lotion, or oil if you prefer, but it's not essential.
- If the umbilical cord is still attached, soak a cotton ball with alcohol to gently disinfect it.
Step 3. Put the diaper and clothes on the baby
If it's bedtime, choose clothes that are easy to put on, preferably with snaps. You can also swaddle it if you prefer.
Advice
- Infants who still have an umbilical cord cannot be bathed. You can wash them with sponges until it falls off.
- Newborns only need to be washed three or four times a week. If you prefer to do it every day, it can become a ritual before bedtime.
- Pay attention to the products you choose for the baby. There are many baby cleansers and shampoos on the market, yet some are too aggressive for the baby's skin and could even cause rashes. Select delicate products, free of aggressive substances. Read the label carefully; if you don't know some ingredients, don't use it.
- Try Castile soap, available in many shops, from organic to camping. This type of soap is also great for parents, because it is gentle on the skin, is often completely organic, contains all natural ingredients and is even useful for housework.
- The bath is not only a hygienic obligation, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to bond with the baby and play. Relax, take your time and enjoy the moment. You can even sing him some songs. Remember that this is an incredible sensory experience for the newborn - he will have a lot of fun, focusing his attention on new elements, sketches and much more.
- Make sure the room is warm enough.
- To spoil him a bit, pack some warm towels, too, by placing them in the dryer or on top of the radiator.
- A bath before bed is useful to make him fall asleep more easily.
Warnings
- Never leave a baby alone in the water, even in a few inches.
- Never use an adult soap, as it will dry out the baby's skin.
