Bathing a newborn can be very worrying!
Don’t panic! Here at CCIF we show you the easiest way to bath your newborn.
When you bath your newborn, you may find it a little scary to handle your little one when he’s all soapy and slippery, so you need to keep a good grip.
Most babies find the warm water very soothing as it reminds them of being in the womb. With any luck, bathtime will become one of the most enjoyable parts of your days together!
How often should you bath your baby?
Although some parents bath their babies every day, until yours is crawling around and getting into things, a daily bath isn’t really necessary and really it’s up to you and your baby really.
Washing your babys’ face frequently and thoroughly, cleaning their genital area after each nappy change, and cleaning off any other obvious muck, will be enough to keep him clean between baths.
However, saying this, a good betime routine such as bath, feed,bed is great for gettin little ones into, and therefor a good nighttime routine (yes- that means good sleep routines too!)
What should I use in the bath/ on my baby?
The overuse of strong cleansers and even tap water can damage the developing skin of newborns so you don’t really need to use anything other than water.
However, if you like that baby clean smell, look for gentle pH neutral cleansers or mild soaps designed especially for babies and use them sparingly in the first few weeks.
Where should I bath my baby?
You really don’t need to buy a baby bath as many people suggest, alhtough it’s totally up to you of course!
There are some fantastic money making products on the market, but really all you need is a bath support.
A bath support (pictured below and loved by my daughter Betsy) will give you and your baby confidence at bath time, and enable you to wash them at ease!
Using a bath does require you to kneel or lean awkwardly over your baby so if this is uncomfortable (if you’ve had a C-section) then it might make sense to use the kitchen sink until you feel better.
How do I bath my baby?
1. Assemble all necessary bath accessories.
2. Make sure the room is warm and the bath water is comfortably warm but not hot; about 38 degrees Centrigrade / 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. You can buy bath thermometers from most baby shops that show you when a bath is too cold or too hot.
ALWAYS check the water before putting your baby in!
3. For newborns and babies up to six months old, fill the bath with about five inches of water, or enough to allow your baby to settle in the water with his shoulders well covered.
*Never fill the bath more than waist-high (in sitting position) for older children.
4. Bring your baby to the bath area and undress him completely.
5. Gradually slip your baby into the bath, using one hand to support his neck and head. (This is where the bath support comes in mighty handy!)
6. Use soap sparingly as you wash him with your hand or a flannel or sponge from top to bottom, front to back. Use a seperate flannel to clean his eyes and face. As for your baby’s genitals, a routine wash is all that is needed.
7. Rinse your baby thoroughly with a clean flannel.
8. Lift your baby out of the bath and wrap in a warm towel
9. Lay your baby down in the towel and pat him dry. If his skin is dry, or if he has a bit of nappy rash, you may want to apply a mild moisturising lotion or baby oil after his bath.
10. Dress your baby in season appropriate clothes.
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