How to Give Baby a Sponge Bath

1. Cover Baby with a large bath towel in a manner that secures both his hands and legs. Hold baby's head and wash his eyelids with sterile cotton balls. Clean his nose and mouth with cotton balls dipped in sterile water. Next clean his ears with moistened swabs (never insert cotton swabs farther than you can see) and wash face with cotton or soft cloth dipped in warm water. Dry his face with the small soft towel (never soap baby's face.)
2. Support Baby's head and back carefully with one arm and hand. Shampoo his scalp gently with baby soap or shampoo, then rinse well and pat dry. (If scales form on the scalp, apply oil and leave overnight).
3. Soap and rinse the rest of Baby's body. Be sure to get all soap out of creases, or his skin may chafe. Pat him dry with soft towel - never rub. Never touch Baby's navel unless extremely necessary; simply change the binder. If the navel becomes wet, clean it with sterile cotton balls dipped in alcohol. Then cover it with sterile gauze and binder. Apply oil or lotion, powder lightly and put on Baby's clean clothes.

Baby Bath Basic

Bathing your baby can be such a nice experience, here are some basic tips to make it even more fun and comfortable for your baby.

1. Warm water is best for baby's first bath. If she still has the umbilical cord, make sure this area does not get wet. If you're hesitant, a sponge bath for baby would do. After the stump has fallen off, you can give her a full bath.

2. In your baby's bathtub, place a foam or rubber mat to avoid slipping. With your hand and arm, support your baby's head, neck and back. Ease her into the tub and sit down. Hold her at a 45 degree angle. The warm water should only reach up to her neck.

3. Liquid soap or body washes are best for baby. Make sure these items are mild and unscented because your baby's skin is still very sensitive to artificial additives. Have your baby's towel ready at your side so you can wrap her right after her bath.

4. Avoid getting soap and water into her eyes, mouth and ears. As you support her head, cover her ears with your thumb on one side and your index finger on the other. With a wet washcloth, clean the outer and back area of your baby's ears. If bath time comes after feeding time, gently wipe clean her tongue and the inside of her mouth.

5. After the bath, make sure your baby is dried and clothed immediately. Pat him dry with a soft towel; don't rub because his skin is quite fragile. Applying baby powder is usually considered as a post bath ritual, but do skip this instead because the tiny particles mights cause allergies to your little one.