Tips on Bathing Your Baby

It is advisable to bathe your baby at a fairly regular time. Many mothers find it convenient to bathe baby usually before the mid morning feeding. (Don't give a bath immediately after feeding.) The room should be warm with no drafts. Water should be comfortably warm, test it with your elbow if no thermometer is available. Baby should be handled gently and securely.

Until baby's navel or circumcision is healed, baby's baths should be sponge baths. These should be his first baths and your doctor will tell you when you can start giving a full tub bath. It would be convenient to assemble the following supplies on a table before you start:

1. basin of warm water
2. soft washcloth
3. mild soap
4. cotton swabs or cotton balls (in jar with a cover)
5. baby lotion
6. baby oil
7. baby powder
8. large bath towel to cover baby
9. small soft towel with which to cover him
10. shirt
11. diaper
12. safety pins and binder

Practical Guide on your Baby's First Bath

Most health care professionals suggest waiting until the umbilical cord has fallen off and the circumcision wound has healed before giving giving baby a tub bath. You can sponge bathe baby until then. Turning a slippery baby on his tummy is no easy feat, so try to give the bath when he is calm and full. Expect the baby to cry, so sing or talk calmly to him and remember to make it quick.

What you can do:

1. Prepare all supplies: lukewarm water, baby tub, washcloth, baby bath soap or body wash, cotton balls, towel, blanket (or another towel), clean diaper and outfit.
2. Fill tub with two inches of lukewarm water. Use your elbow to test if temperature is warm, not scalding.
3. Wash baby's hair before putting him in the tub so he won't get chilled. Dry his head well.
4. Use wet cotton balls to wipe baby's eyes from the inner corner outward. Then wash behind the ears and the entire face. Work your way around baby's neck and down to the torso. Wash genitals and bottom last.
5. Dry baby thoroughly and dress him. Keep undressed body parts wrapped in a blanket or extra towel.