Bathing Basics
If you are like me, you were terrified at the thought of giving your child their first bath. I Would only do it for the first few weeks if my mother-in-law or mother was there to advise and help. The first few were sponge type baths also because I feared the small baby tub.
Perhaps this will help some other new parents:
Things to Know:
Most experts say that newborns don’t need daily baths. Two or three baths a week is usually sufficient.
Until the umbilical cord falls off and the circumcision (if any) heals, stick with sponge baths to avoid infection.
It’s not really necessary to use soap on a newborn or young infant unless the weather has been very hot or he’s gotten especially dirty from spitting-up or a bowel movement. When you do use soap, use it toward the end of the bath, so the baby doesn’t sit too long in soapy water, which can dry out his skin.
Baby’s hair only needs to be washed once or twice a week. You can use mild baby soap or baby shampoo. If your baby doesn’t have much hair, a washcloth will work fine. As hair grows, keep a cup close by for rinsing (cradle his head in your hand and tilt it back as your rinse so water doesn’t run into his eyes).
Make sure the room where you bathe the baby is warm and draft-free.
If your baby hates being bathed in his tub, keep giving him sponge baths. But every few weeks be sure to try using the baby tub. If your baby dislikes being naked in the tub, try covering his back or belly with a wet washcloth as you bathe his other parts.
A baby should not be bathed in an adult bathtub until he can sit up on his own, usually at about six months of age.
baths, first bath, bathing a newborn, moms, new moms, parents, parenting, infants, babies
January 2nd, 2007 at 2:44 pm
my youngest is 7 years old. the only time i was afraid to bathe her when she still had her umbilical cord. i was always afraid i would hurt her somehow.
January 2nd, 2007 at 5:41 pm
alicia the umbilical cord freaked me out too.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:57 am
[…] There are various things you can do to soothe your baby into nightly slumbers and I will tell you what worked for me. A nice bath. Don’t under estimate a nice relaxing bath before bed. There are so many nice bath soaps and lotions on the market now that are calming, take advantage of them. Follow the bath up with some lotion and a massage for your child. You love massages, so will your child. […]
May 6th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
[…] Washing a baby can be…challenging. I always feel like I have to hold the baby in the baby bath tub with one hand while I wash with the other. Getting more soap or a new washcloth can be difficult with one hand. I liked my baby bath tub but when I found the washPOD, I knew I had found something great. […]