Bathing Your Newborn Baby

Bathing a newborn baby is a delicate process. It takes practice, so don't be too hard on yourself if it doesn't go smoothly the first couple of times. The baby is just as new to this as you are, and won't know the difference.

Items Needed

Infant bathtub or any small tub filled with warm water
Soft washcloth
Cotton balls
Cotton swabs
Baby Shampoo
Baby wash
Lotion
Powder
3 or 4 towels (Yes, you will need them)
Clean diaper
Clean pajamas
Blanket

Baby is not ready to be submerged in water at this stage of life. The umbilical cord is still attached and shouldn't be soaked. Also, the baby will be easily startled and will be more comfortable and more easily consoled if swaddled.

Before you begin, find a surface that is not too low. You just gave birth, and bending may be uncomfortable. A waist-high counter is ideal. Otherwise you may have to settle for your dining table.

1. Gather your items, making sure everything you need is within arm's length. Your baby should never be left unattended.
2. Spread a good sized towel on the work surface. You'll be doing most of the bathing process on this towel, so it will get quite wet.
3. Fill your tub with warm water. Test the temperature by dipping your wrist. It should feel warm, not hot.
4. Undress baby except for diaper
5. Wrap baby snugly in a soft towel
6. Lift baby, supporting the head, and hold the infant close to your body. Holding the infant over the water tub, use a soft washcloth to wet hair.
7. Use small amount of baby shampoo to wash hair
8. Rinse shampoo thoroughly.
9. Lay baby on the towel on the table and dry hair and head with third towel. Loosely cover baby's head.
10. Loosen the towel wrapped around baby's upper body, but try to keep arms tucked in for now.
11. Using a soft washcloth or cotton balls, gently wash baby's face. Gently tilt head to wash creases under chin and neck
12. Using cotton swabs gently clean baby's ears. Do not insert swab into ear canal, and make sure not to get water into ear canal
14. Loosen towel from baby's lower body and remove diaper.
15. Using baby wash and soft cloth wash diaper area, legs and feet. Rinse off soap well and cover lower body with dry towel
16. Uncover upper body. At this point baby may throw out his arms in "startle reflex". If he hasn't already been crying, he probably will start at this point. Don't worry, you're nearly done.
17. Wash shoulders, chest, underarms, arms and hands.
18. Wash tummy, being especially careful around the navel and umbilical cord.
19. Rinse well, but do not soak umbilical cord
20. Turn baby and wash back and buttocks
21. Rinse off soap and wrap baby in dry soft towel.

At this point you may want to take a break to snuggle your baby. He won't be terribly happy, and you will be tired. Take your time.

When you are both ready, apply lotion and powder. Care for the umbilical cord as instructed by your physician. Diaper the baby, dress him in clean pajamas and wrap him in a soft blanket.

Now take him to the nearest comfy chair, sit down and enjoy each other's company.

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