Bringing a newborn home is a pleasant and exciting time for many parents. It can also be frightening, particularly the prospect of bathing this little, frail human. Bathing your infant is straightforward with a little practise and only needs to be done two to three times per week, as long as the diaper area is completely cleansed at each diaper change.
The first thing to remember is to start with sponge showers until the umbilical cord stump on your infant falls off and heals.
Dermatologists recommend the following steps for giving your baby a sponge bath:
1. Collect the necessary materials. A washcloth, a basin of tepid water, and a mild, fragrance-free baby soap are all you'll need.
2. Place your baby on a level, comfy surface. Wrap your infant in a towel and just expose the section of his or her body that you are actively washing to keep him or her warm. Keep one hand on your infant at all times for safety.
3. Begin with your child's head. Gently wipe your baby's face and scalp with the washcloth dipped in lukewarm water. Cleaning the baby's delicate parts gently is safe. Remember to clean the creases in your neck and behind your ears as well.
4. Wash the remainder of your body. Pour the baby soap into the bowl of water and gently wash the rest of your baby's body with the washcloth. After cleaning each location, make sure to rinse out all of the soap.
Once your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off, switch to traditional bathing. However start slow; if your baby seems to hate getting a regular bath, revert to the sponge bath method for another week or longer.
Dermatologists recommend the following steps for giving your infant a standard bath:
1. Make preparations ahead of time. Choose a convenient location for bathing your infant, such as a sink or a little plastic tub. If your baby has hair, gather a washcloth, a mild, fragrance-free baby soap, and a baby shampoo.
2. Submerge your child in the water. Fill your baby's bath with warm water first. To make sure the water isn't too hot, test the temperature on the inside of your wrist. Then, carefully place your baby's feet in the water. Because the majority of your baby's body should be above water, pour warm water over his or her body from time to time for warmth.
3. Begin with your child's head. Wash your baby's face and scalp gently with the washcloth. To clean your baby's hair, use baby shampoo once or twice a week.
4. Wash the remainder of your body. Clean the rest of your baby's body gently with the washcloth and baby soap. Remember to clean between your baby's fingers and toes as well. After cleaning each location, make sure to rinse out all of the soap.
After showering, wrap your baby in a towel to keep him warm. If your baby's skin seems dry after bathing, try using a fragrance-free moisturiser or washing your infant less frequently.