It’s okay if your little one protests during their first bath, but believe me, it won’t be long before it turns into their favorite ritual. So, if you are a first-time parent and wondering “how to give baby a bath?” fret not – I have already got everything covered for you.
Below, I’ve outlined everything you should know about keeping your baby clean, healthy and happy from the first sponge bath to the infant tub.
What You’ll Need:
- Washcloth
- Mild baby soap
- Towel
- Cotton balls
- Diaper
- Fresh clothes
- Infant tub
How to Bathe A Newborn with A Sponge
Before you start, know that a newborn’s umbilical cord falls off around two weeks post-delivery. Therefore, till then, you should try to sponge-bathe your little one. A sponge bath is also crucial if the baby’s circumcision incision has not fully healed yet.
· The first step is to set everything you’d need during the process within arm’s reach. Doing that would ensure that you keep all hands on the baby.
· Next, begin by cleaning the baby’s face with damp washcloths or cotton balls. Be sure to focus on your little one’s eyelids as plenty of residues accumulates there.
· Working from the eye’s inside corner to the outside. Moreover, use a separate cotton ball for each eye.
· Additionally, clean the outsides of your baby’s ears with a damp cotton swab.
· Move towards the body now. Take a few drops of mild soap on a damp washcloth and gently rub all over the baby’s body. If the baby’s hair appears dirty, do the same.
· Once you are done bathing the newborn, quickly wrap them up in a towel. This step is critical as it ensures the baby doesn’t lose too much of their body heat.
· Finally, dry your little one thoroughly (be sure to get into the tiny creases) before diapering and dressing them up.
How to Bathe A Newborn In An Infant Tub
Once your newborn’s umbilical cord has fallen off, they’re all set for a bath in an infant tub:
· Be sure to pick an infant tub with an internal sling or a contoured design to prevent the baby from slipping or sliding.
· Fill the tub with warm water. However, make sure it’s marginally cooler than your ideal temperature, as a newborn’s skin is more sensitive.
· Next, gently lower your newborn into the infant tub (make sure you support the baby’s neck and head with your arm).
· Clean the baby’s face just like you did in sponge-bathes, and wash them clean with a washcloth and mild baby soap.
· Be sure to clean the “rolls” that develop around newborns’ arms, neck, and legs. Dead skin and dirt usually accumulate in these areas, irritating the baby’s skin and leading to infections.
· Once the circumcision has healed, you can wash the area just like any other part of the body. Just be sure not to soap your baby girl’s groin area as it may lead to irritation.
· Once done, pat the baby dry quickly and dress them up as usual.
Well, that’s my best advice on how to bathe a newborn. If you’d like to add anything, please let us all know in the comments below!
