Infant Bathing

Newborn babies are demanding in all aspects. Giving them a bath can turn out to be a nightmare if proper steps are not followed. Take care to keep your baby comfortable during a bath and make sure your baby enjoys the experience. Find out tips on infant bathing.

Infant bathing tips

Choose a bath time that works for both - you and baby. Be in a relaxed frame of mind when you are bathing the little one. Be prepared with all supplies within arms reach. NEVER leave the baby for even a minute. It can be dangerous. If you are interrupted during the bath, take the baby along with you. Be careful of the faucet - the infant might hit the head or even touch a scalding hot faucet. Empty the tub immediately after use. Keep the toilet seat down before you begin the baby bath.

An even surface: Any surface that is flat and even is fine to bathe a baby. It will be comfortable for the baby if the temperature in the bathing place is warm and tepid. Keep testing the water temperature as you go ahead. When the water gets too cool, its time to take the baby off.

Baby bathtub: A baby bathtub is just perfect for your baby. Ensure that the depth of the bathtub is adequate to hold enough amount of water for bathing. Rubber backing in the tub will act as an additional safety measure for the baby. You can use your kitchen sink itself until your baby is three months old, provided it is comfortable for your baby and you. Support your baby's neck and head throughout the bath.

Changing mattress: You can change the clothes, napkins of your baby on the changing mattress as well use it to massage your baby.

Towels: Use fresh and clean towels to dry and wrap your baby. Always keep an extra one; you might need it at times.

Bathing your baby when the umbilical cord is attached

• If the umbilical cord is still attached take care not to soak the baby in water. The belly button area around the umbilical cord remains damp and if the baby is soaked in water, the baby could contract an infection.
  
  
• Clean the umbilical cord area with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol; this helps the base of the cord to dry quickly.
  
  
• Until the cord falls, usually two to four weeks from the date of birth, bathe the baby with a soft cloth and mild baby soap.
  

After the umbilical cord has fallen off

• After the cord has fallen off, bathe the baby in a baby bathtub with a rubber backing.
  
  
• Fill the baby bathtub with baby soap and adequate water so that it covers the bottom of your baby.
  
  
• Take care to fill the tub with water that is just warm enough for the baby. Before bathing your baby, check the temperature of the water by immersing your wrist in the water.
  
  
• While washing the head and hair of the baby, be careful about the soft spot in the head. Be gentle while you apply shampoo and wash it off.
  
  
• Keep a towel ready so that you can wrap your baby to dry him/her immediately after the bath.
  
  
• Use baby powder or baby lotion after bathing your baby.
  

Bathing your fussy baby

• Sing to the babies while bathing them. Playing music will also help.
  
  
• Bathing the baby just before bedtime is an excellent way to pacify fussy babies.
  
  
• Ensure that you are using the right baby product for your baby, babies may cry out of irritation from baby products too.
  
  
• Keep the baby in a warm and cozy place while bathing.
  
  
• Do not keep the baby in the bathtub for too long, this might further irritate the baby. Make the bath as brief as possible.