Newbie Mom Files

You shower or bathe yourself all the time, or so we hope. Often enough, at least, that it would seem like common sense to know how to wash a baby. This is not necessarily true. Trying to maneuver a wet, slippery baby could be quite the challenge. Here are the basics you will need to know to get through this potentially sticky situation. Don’t fret, in no time, you will be an old pro.

So, how often does a baby need a bath?

The truth is your baby is not doing much other than eating, spitting, sleeping and pooping at this point so they don’t really get dirty other than the face, neck and diaper area. There is no need to bathe your newborn every day. In fact, giving your baby a bath more than a couple of times a week will likely dry out his or her precious skin. So long as you are cleaning those parts that tend to get messy, you are doing fine. Sponge baths are usually the best option in those first few weeks, especially until the umbilical cord heals.

Before you get started, make sure to turn the temperature up to warm up the room and have all your supplies on hand. You will not want to leave your baby or take a hand of your baby for one second during this process so make sure to choose a time where you are unlikely to be interrupted and can spend a nice amount of time cleaning your baby.

Here’s what you need to give your baby a sponge bath:

• A flat surface such as the bathroom or kitchen counter, changing table, a firm bed, or even the floor.
• A couple of towels and a soft blanket or changing pad for your baby to lie on.
• A sink or shallow plastic basin to hold several inches of warm water.
• A washcloth, mild baby wash, q-tips, a clean diaper and a change of clothes.

Here is what you do:
Undress your baby and wrap him up in a towel. When you are ready to begin, lay your baby on his back on the blanket or changing pad you put down. Wet the washcloth, wring out excess water and wipe your baby’s face. There’s no need to use soap. Wipe each eyelid from the inside to the outside corner. It is important to wash the eyes first before using the washcloth on any other body parts. You generally want to start at the cleanest and finish at the dirtiest section.

After washing your baby’s face, you can stick with plain water unless your baby is smelly or dirty. Pay special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck and in the diaper area. Also wash between your baby’s fingers and toes and those adorable pudgy skin folds in your baby’s arms and thighs. To keep your baby warm, expose only the parts you’re washing.

If your baby’s hair seems dirty, you can wash it. Support your baby’s head and shoulders with your free hand and gently massage a drop of mild baby shampoo into his or her scalp. Rinse the shampoo with a damp washcloth or slowly and gently pour a small cup of water over your child’s hair so that it runs off the head (away from the eyes).

What type of baby tub is best?

When your baby graduates to a tub, you’ll have plenty of choices. There are plastic tubs specifically designed for newborns, as well as plain plastic basins or inflatable tubs that fit inside the bathtub. The kitchen or bathroom sink may be another option. The type of tub is not necessarily the most important thing. It is more of a trial and error type of thing to see what you and your baby are most comfortable using. The number one thing to remember is to never ever leave your baby alone in the water. Not even for a second.

To give your baby a tub bath, you should still have all of your supplies on hand before you start. Again, make sure the room temperature is warm and comfortable, as well as the water temperature. Always check the temperature before bathing your baby. Using your elbow to check the temperature is more accurate than using your hand.

You will need to have a secure hold on your baby in the tub. Support his head and torso by wrapping your arm under his back and grasping him firmly under the armpit.

When you clean your baby’s back and butt, lean him forward on your arm. Continue to grasp your baby under the armpit.

What type of soap is best?

Use a mild, unscented soap with a moisturizer and avoid bubble bath. Lotion is unnecessary, but use it if you like it. Baby powder is not recommended since an infant can inhale it and it is very dangerous for their lungs.

The most important things are to make sure your baby is warm, make sure you have a secure grip on him or her, give yourself plenty of time and never leave your baby alone in the water. Good luck and enjoy bathing your little angel!