Giving Baby a Bath
Ask any parent what the sweetest smell in the world is and most will reply their baby – especially after a bath. And certainly one of the most pleasurable activities to do with your baby is giving her a bath. But if you are a first time mom, you might be feeling a bit nervous or unsure how to safely give her a soothing bath.
There’s really nothing to worry about. Most first time moms are nervous about bathing their baby. But if you follow these easy steps, you’ll become a pro in no time! Before you start, make sure you have all the supplies you need within easy reach so you never leave your baby unattended.
You will need:
• 2-3 clean washcloths or disposable washcloths with cleanser
• Mild baby cleanser with tear-free formula
• Sterile cotton balls
• A soft hooded towel
• Clean clothes or pajamas
• Diaper rash cream or ointment
• Rubbing alcohol or alcohol pads to clean the umbilical cord (when necessary)
• Warm water in a basin if you are not near a sink. A sponge bath is best for a newborn with an umbilical stump or circumcision wound
• Moisturizing lotion specially formulated for babies for after bath care and massage.
We love the ‘essentials bundle’ by The Honest Company for its collection of non-toxic baby bath and body care products.
Bathing the Baby
Remember to keep your baby away from any drafts or breezes. Start by creating a warm, soothing environment. Make sure the room and your hands are comfortably warm. Fill the tub or basin with just a few inches of water. Before putting your baby in the water, make sure you test it using the back of your wrist or elbow, and swirl it around to avoid any hot spots.
Undress the baby and use one arm to support her head, neck, and back while you gently put her in the bath. Talk to her as you do this and let her know how much fun this will be for the both of you! Sometimes newborns get fussy when their clothes are removed or they are exposed to a different environment. Your calmness and reassurance will help keep her relaxed. Newborns learn to adapt very quickly.
While still supporting her head, neck, and back use your other arms to gently wash her head and body. Take a cotton ball and wet it. Start very gently from the inside of her eye and wipe outwards. Use a different cotton ball for each eye. Follow the face with a gentle cleaning of her neck and remember to clean all around the folds and creases of her mouth and ears.
You only have to shampoo her hair once or twice a week. Take your washcloth and lather the baby’s scalp with a little amount of cleanser. Now clean down the front of her body and her back. Clean the diaper area last.
That’s it! You’re done! When you are both ready, lift her out of the tub, holding her under both arms while supporting her head and neck. Wrap her in the towel and get ready to dress her. You may want to give her a gentle massage after diapering her before dressing her. Bathe your baby a few times a week. The more you do it, the more relaxed you will become and the more fun you’ll both have!
The Nighttime Bath
Bathing is one of best nighttime rituals for a baby. Along with other bedtime rituals, it helps babies learn to go to sleep on their own. However, babies can get confused between the two baths and which one is supposed to make them feel sleepy. You can help your baby differentiate day from night by using a nightly bath and a change into pajamas to signal the difference between the two. A gentle massage accompanied by a soothing lullaby or music will also help baby associate the evening bath with bedtime.
