How To Bathe Your Baby

Most of the parents are apprehensive about giving a bath for their babies. Below are a few simple tips to ease up your job.

For the first few weeks or until the umbilical cord falls off, sponge bath is more than enough.

Here’s how to give a sponge bath:

– Wipe the face, body and hands of the baby with a clean cotton  cloth using lukewarm water or with wet wipes of any brand that you prefer.

– Clean the genital area of the baby thoroughly, but make sure you don’t rub the area rigorously. A gentle sponge bath would do.

If the baby is on diapers, you should take care of these:

– Make sure to clean the diaper area every time you change. Pat them dry and then put the diapers on.

– Apply your preferred diaper rash cream before changing the diaper. Give some diaper free time every day to avoid diaper rashes.

Bathing a baby for three times a week is more than enough during the first year

Bathing them more frequently may dry out their skin, particularly if soaps are used or moisture is allowed to evaporate from the skin. Once the umbilical area is healed, you can try placing your baby directly in the water. Most parents find it easiest to bathe a newborn in  a bathinette, sink, or plastic tub lined with a clean towel.

Always check the water temperature

Test the water before you put your baby in with your elbow or the inside of your wrist; the water should be warm and not hot. It is advisable that water in the baby bath tub should read a temperature of 90 degrees or below.

Plan at the right time

Plan a shower twice or thrice in a week for  the first few days. Newborn does not get too dirty except for their diaper areas and the areas around the chin where the neck and spit ups tend to trickle. So plan and give shower when the baby is not sleepy or hungry this could save you from facing excessive crankiness of the baby. Also make sure to keep the bathing time shorter and get the baby dried off and snuggle them in a cozy outfit as quickly as possible.

Choosing the right soap and shampoo

Babies generally does not require too much soap, but you might want to use it for your baby’s bottom and if they have any hair, a little shampoo. Go for a tear free product and products that are gentle on the baby’s skin as much as possible. If you are using a shampoo, save it for last so that your little one won’t end up sitting in sudsy water and having wet hair will also make the baby feel colder, so it’s best to get the baby out of the bath asap.

Gather up all the supplies

Try to keep all that you require for your baby’s bath, like soaps, shampoos, towels that are required for drying post shower within your reach.

Ask someone to help you, if possible

At least for the first couple of times, have someone to help you out during baby’s bath time. Please make sure under no circumstances may you leave your baby unattended in any amount of water, a helper will come in handy should you need to step away from the bath.

Be prepared for the baby’s shout out

It is not necessary that all the babies should cry while bathing , but most of the babies do cry their heart out. So be prepared to expect some tears as it is a new experience for the babies.

Also read: How To Burp A Baby?

Explore the entire collection of articles: Baby Care

#babybath #bathingtips #newparents