Usually, when you are in the hospital after giving birth, a nurse will show you the proper way to bathe your baby, teaching you all the little tips that make the experience enjoyable and safe. However, most parents are so focused on the baby that not all the information provided sinks in. The truth is that most parents bathe new babies too much! After all, it’s not as if the baby is playing in the dirt outside.
Most doctors recommend that babies only be sponge bathed until the umbilical cord falls off and/or the area of circumcision heals. This way, you protect your baby from infection. Keep in mind that if you have any questions, you should ask your doctor. Once your baby is completely heals, you can begin bathing. For sponge baths, you can use a small baby bath or even the kitchen sink. Make sure you have a soft, warm towel nearby along with everything you need for the bath to include soap, shampoo, washcloth, cotton balls, etc. Then, you also need after bath care items such as powder, diaper ointment, diaper, clothing, etc.
For the bath, the water needs to be appropriate temperature, not too warm or too cool. You can test the water with your arm, making adjustments as needed. Then, with your baby on a secure surface such as the kitchen countertop and towel, keep your body in front of him so he won’t accidentally roll, and a hand on him. Then with your other hand, dip the washcloth into the water with soap, washing him while being careful around the eyes, ears, mouth, umbilical area, and genitals. You would then rinse the washcloth, using plain water to wash him or her again to remove any soap. When done, swaddle the baby, making sure he or she’s completely dry before diapering and dressing.
If you are ready to move your baby to a regular bathtub, you can again use a baby tub, the kitchen or bathroom sink, or even the bathtub, taking extreme care to keep his head out of the water. You should also use a non-slip mat underneath his body or even a towel that would provide some cushion. Fill the tub or sink with about three inches of water, again at the appropriate temperature. This time, wash the baby down to include the umbilical area and genitals. You can wash the head and face but take care not to get soap in his/her eyes. You could then use clean water over the baby’s body to rinse off the soap. When done, wrap him/her quickly in a towel so the baby does not become chilled.