Your baby will be bathed for the first time while in the hospital. Likely the nurse will take the baby to the nursery for the bath, though it is sometimes given in the room if the accommodations provide for it.
Giving your baby his or her first bath at home can be a bit scary. Questions concerning how to give the bath safely, how warm is too warm for the water, and how long to bathe the baby may be flooding your mind. Not to worry though, help is on the way!
Until your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off, you cannot submerge the baby in water. So the first bath at home is relatively simple.
1.First, gather all of the supplies you will need. This includes a towel or some soft material to lay the baby on, another towel to wrap the baby in once the bath is complete, a baby washcloth, and a mild soap.
2.Lay the towel on the counter or on a sturdy surface and place the baby gently on it. Never leave your baby unattended, even to turn around.
3.Undress the baby. You may want to wait to remove the baby’s diaper until you are ready to bathe him. Newborns are not yet used to sudden changes in temperature, so it’s best to remove the diaper only when necessary and to be prepared for accidents!
4.Wet the washcloth and apply a very very small amount of soap. Over soaping at this stage can make it difficult for you to get if off since you cannot submerge the baby in water. Remember, your baby likely isn’t “dirty” at this stage in life, so you’re just giving a light cleaning.
5.Gently clean the baby’s head and body, focusing on the genitals, hands, and feet.
6.Dry your baby then wrap her snuggly in a towel and dress her.
Baby’s first bath can be a nerve-wracking thing when you’re not sure what to do. Hopefully these tips will make it easier. Look for bath tips in a coming blog that will help you when your baby’s umbilical cord stump has fallen off.
And don’t forget your camera!! Baby’s first bath is an important event in both of your lives!