Bathing the baby

Tips for a Safe and Easy Baby Bath

Bathing a baby may be scary at first. They look fragile. That is why bathing seems to be harmful for them. However, it is important to bathe a baby daily.

Always prepare for your baby's bath making certain that everything is ready and close at hand.  You want to avoid any distractions so making sure that all your supplies are handy will insure a safe and happy bath time.  If possible, set the water heater to a low 120 degrees. The body temperature of the baby can be scalded if the water is too hot for him. Check the sink or the tub making sure it is clean and empty, fill it with warm water and be certain that the water is comfortably warm and not too hot using your elbow or your arm. Here are some more tips on how to properly bathe your baby.

1. Always make sure that everything you need is in proper place near to the tub. You may keep a mild soap, soft cotton balls, and a new clean diaper place in a small box or a colorful bathing kit for your baby. You may now bring in the bathing items with the baby towel and the washcloth to the place where you will bathe your baby.

2. If you have forgotten to bring an item needed for his bath, you should carry your baby with you when you get the item. It is not advisable to leave the baby alone in the bathroom. It is also important not to attend to any distractions that will disturb you from bathing your baby. Do not answer the phone and do not attend to those people at the door when the baby is still bathing. Attend to them after you are through bathing your baby.

3. Sponge baths are commonly used first in bathing newborns. You may give your baby a sponge bath if his circumcision wound or umbilical is not healed yet. You may only bath your baby in the tub if all of his wounds are healed and do not show any signs of distress or infection. In sponge bathing, you may need a small basin or a small bowl almost filled with warm water. You should always make sure that the water is not too cold or too hot.

4. Choose the perfect place for bathing. The place should be warm and not drafty. You would not want your baby to get cold. You may place and carry your baby using a bath towel in his crib. You may also use a flat surface to place the crib and you have to make sure that the baby cannot make any movement where he can roll. The baby should not be left alone and should be always within your eyesight.

5. Take off your baby's clothing gently. You may place the washcloth in the warm water and make sure that it is properly squeezed. Gently use the washcloth to wipe the wet parts of the skin of your baby. The head, behind the ears, neck, and between the toes and the fingers should be properly wiped.

6. Your newborn may not need to take his bath everyday. You may just clean his face and his butt with a soft cloth when he is not bathed. Do not apply soap or any cream that can cause allergies and rashes. You may use soft cotton balls or cotton pads to gently clean your baby's ears and eyes before you clean the other parts of his body. Always support your baby's head whenever you are bathing him in the tub.

7. You may wash your baby's head and scalp smoothly. You may use mild soap or a baby shampoo. You may apply this only once or twice in a week. Make sure that you rinse his hair with a soft cloth.  Avoid getting soap suds in his eyes.  This might irritate the eyes and frighten the baby.  Begin washing him from his chest part going down to his legs and toes. After he is washed with a soapy soft cloth, rinse the cloth and rinse your baby gently and smoothly. Keep your baby covered well with a dry towel to keep him warm when he is still wet.

Never bathe your baby when you are wearing rings and bracelets on your fingers and arms. Make sure that your hands are thoroughly clean before bathing your baby. You should also not depend on other people to take care of your newborn.  Lastly, used diapers should be stored in a tightly closed pail where your other kids can't reach them. Never ever use open buckets as a replacement to diaper pails and do not leave those buckets and containers with water open.