New born Bathing

Bath Essentials for your new born 

You should give your baby a sponge bath until:

• The umbilical cord falls off and the umbilicus heals completely (1–4 weeks)
• Circumcision heals (1–2 weeks)

A bath two to three times a week for the first year is fine. More frequent bathing can dry out the skin.

Have these things ready before bathing your baby:

• A soft, clean washcloth
• Mild, unscented baby soap and shampoo
• A soft brush to stimulate the baby’s scalp
• Towels or blankets
• A clean diaper
• Clean clothes

Sponge baths.

 For a sponge bath, choose a safe, flat surface (such as a changing table, floor, or counter) in a warm room. Fill a sink, if nearby, or bowl with warm (not hot!) water. Undress your baby and wrap them in a towel. Using a washcloth dampened with just water (or a clean cotton ball), wipe your child’s eyes, starting with one eye and wiping from the inner corner to the outer corner. Use a clean corner of the washcloth or another cotton ball to wash the other eye. Clean your baby’s nose and ears with the damp washcloth. Then wet the cloth again and gently wash his face with some soap and pat dry.

Next, create a lather with baby shampoo and gently wash and rinse your baby’s head. Gently wash the rest of the baby with a damp cloth and soap, paying special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck, and around the genitals. After washing these areas, make sure they are dry and then swaddle and dress your baby.

Tub baths. 

When your baby is ready for baths, the first few baths should be gentle and short. If he or she gets upset, go back to sponge baths for a week or two and then try again.

In addition to the consumables listed above, add:

A 2 to 3 inch infant tub warm – not hot! — Water (to test the water temperature, feel the water with the inside of your elbow or wrist). A carrycot is a plastic tub that fits into the bathtub; It is a better size for babies and makes bathing easier.

Undress your baby and immediately put him in the water in a warm room to prevent colds. Make sure the water in the tub is no more than 2 to 3 inches deep and that the water is not overflowing into the tub. Use one of your hands to support the head and the other hand to guide the baby feet first. Speak softly and slowly lower your baby into the tub, up to their chest.

Use a washcloth to wash your face and hair. Using your fingertips or a soft baby hairbrush, gently massage your baby’s scalp, including the area over the fontanels (soft spots) on the top of the head. When rinsing the soap or shampoo off your baby’s head, place your hand across the forehead so the lather runs to the sides and the soap doesn’t get in the eyes. Gently wash the rest of your baby’s body with soap and water.

To prevent your infant from getting cold during the bath, gently pour water over his or her body at regular intervals. After the bath, cover your baby’s head with a towel and wrap him or her up promptly. When a baby has just been cleaned, hooded baby towels are excellent for keeping them warm.

Never leave your baby alone when bathing him or her. Wrap the infant in a towel and take him or her with you if you need to leave the bathroom.