Bathing a newborn can be a little scary. You should also keep your baby safe and comfortable, especially when your baby is only a few months old, and bathing him can be a bit tricky. With the right equipment and a little practice, bathing a baby can be a fun experience, and bathing a baby can be a great time to bond with your baby. Read on to learn how to prepare bathing equipment, bathe your baby safely, and make your baby comfortable when the bath is over.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Bath Preparation
Step 1. Prepare all the things beforehand
Once your baby has started bathing, you won't be able to leave him even for a moment. So, it is important to prepare all the equipment before starting to bathe him.
- Gather the utensils you need including a bath tub, a watering cup, mild baby soap, two washcloths, and a cotton swab to clean baby's eyes and ears.
- As an option, you can also bring some baby toys.
- Keep the equipment you need including towels, combs, lotion or oil, diapers, diaper ointment and clean clothes nearby.
- Prepare cleaning alcohol to clean the umbilical cord area if it is still stuck.
Step 2. Wear appropriate clothing
Wear casual clothes that can be exposed to soap. Roll up your sleeves, and don't wear jewelry like watches, rings, or bracelets. Make sure your clothes don't have zippers or pins that could scratch the baby's skin. Many babysitters wear special clothes when bathing babies.
Step 3. Install the tub
Most baby baths are available in a special shape to support the baby's neck and head. In the bath there is usually a base or support (sling) so that the baby is not completely submerged in the water. Place the baby bath in a clean sink, bath tub, or on the bathroom floor, depending on the instructions.
- If you don't have a baby bath, you can use a clean kitchen sink instead. The faucet cover can keep your sink safe for the baby.
- Do not use an adult wok to bathe a newborn. The bath tub is too deep, and there is a possibility that the baby will slip while bathing.
- If your baby's tub doesn't have a footprint at the bottom to prevent your baby from slipping, use a washcloth to separate the bath tub.
Step 4. Fill the tub with hot water a few cm high
Turn on the water and test the temperature. You can use your elbow, wrist, or a special thermometer to make sure the water isn't too hot or too cold. The water should be warm and comfortable to the touch, but not as hot as adult bath water.
- If your baby still has an umbilical cord, fill a bowl with water to wash it off with a sponge.
- Always test the water before putting your baby in the tub.
- When in doubt, choose a cooler temperature; Your hands are rougher than a baby's sensitive skin. So, the heat will be felt more on the baby's skin than on your skin.
- Do not fill the tub more than a few cm. Babies should not be too submerged in water. As your baby begins to grow, you can add a little more water, but not enough to drown him.
Part 2 of 3: Bathe Your Baby
Step 1. Lay your baby in the tub with feet first
Support the baby's neck and head with one hand while gently lowering him into the tub. Continue to support your baby during the bath with one hand, and use the other hand to wash him.
Babies can "shrivel up" and be slippery. So you have to be very careful when the baby's body starts to get wet
Step 2. Start bathing your baby
Use a cup, or your hands to wet him. Use a soft cloth to wash your face, body, arms and legs.
- Use a cotton swab to wipe your baby's eyes and ears.
- If you want, you can use baby soap which is safe and very neutral, but soap is not that important; gently scrubbing and rinsing his body is enough to keep your baby clean. Don't forget to clean the small folds, behind the ears, and the bottom of the neck, where saliva and sweat collect.
- Use a small amount of baby soap on a cloth to wash baby's hands and feet.
- Clean your baby's pubic area last with a little baby soap if you wish. If you have a boy who has been circumcised, gently wipe the penis with a damp cloth. Wash a girl's genitals from front to back to prevent infection.
Step 3. Wash your baby's hair
If you need to wash your baby's hair, lay him down and massage his hair and head gently with water. Use a cup to drain clean water over the baby's head. You can use baby shampoo if you want, but you don't really need to because babies are born with natural oils that can keep the scalp healthy, and shampoo can damage this.
- If you use baby shampoo, use your hands as eye protection to prevent soap from getting into your baby's eyes.
- Before rinsing, double-check the water temperature and make sure it's not too hot.
Step 4. Lift your baby out of the tub
Support the head, neck, and back with one hand, and grasp the buttocks and thighs with the other. Lay your baby on a dry towel and be careful when covering his head with the towel.
Part 3 of 3: After Bath
Step 1. Dry your baby with a towel
Dry the baby's chest and tummy first, and make sure to gently dry behind the ears and skin folds, so that no more water remains. Also dry your baby's hair as dry as possible using a towel.
Remember that well-groomed baby hair will dry quickly. Do not use a hairdryer, because it is not needed and can be dangerous
Step 2. Apply ointment if needed
Apply a small amount of ointment on the diaper rash or circumcision wound if advised by the doctor.
- It's okay to apply baby cream, lotion, or whatever oil you like, but these things aren't that important.
- If your baby still has an umbilical cord, use a cotton swab to slightly moisten the area with rubbing alcohol.
Step 3. Dress your baby in diapers and clothes
If you are going to put your little one to sleep, choose clothes that are easy to wear, clothes with snap buttons are better than regular button-down clothes. You can also carry your baby.
Tips
- Bathing before bed can facilitate the baby's sleep process.
- Babies who still have an umbilical cord should be bathed using a sponge until the umbilical cord falls off.
- Bath time isn't just a chore or an obligation-it's the perfect opportunity to bond and play. Relax, don't rush, and let everyone have the experience. Bath time is also the best time to sing a song to your baby. He will enjoy a variety of sensory experiences, attention, water play, and much more.
- To pamper your little one, warm your towels in the dryer.
- Try “castile” soap, which is available in stores selling natural ingredients and camping gear. This soap is great for adults too because it feels gentle on the skin, is made from organic and natural ingredients, and is useful for all kinds of household chores.
- Do not rub the baby's back with the brush or your hands harshly. Instead, gently massage your baby for two minutes. This can keep baby's skin soft and supple.
- Babies actually only need to be bathed about three or four times a week, but bathing can be a fun nighttime ritual if done every day.
Warning
- Do not apply adult-only soap to baby's skin; because it will be too dry on the skin.
- Do not leave your baby unattended when bathing in any volume of water.
- Be careful with the products you choose for the baby. Although there are many “Baby Bath” products or baby shampoos available anywhere, they can still feel harsh on a baby's sensitive skin, causing allergic reactions such as hives or skin rashes. Use soothing, softening and chemical-free products. That's why you should read the label - if there's something you don't understand about the product, don't use it on your baby.
- Make sure the room where you bathe your baby is warm.
