Bathing Your Newborn Baby

My wife is a nurse who has worked in the nursery, so I felt comfortable asking for her help on the subject of bathing a baby.

First obtain a soft "baby's washcloth."

Find a baby bath so that you can bathe them in the kitchen sink. This is much safer than bathing the baby in the bathtub because there is a danger of the baby slipping under the water if the parent loses their grip while the baby is squirming.

A newborn should be washed with a mild soap such as Dove. Wash the baby's face first. An important note here is that some babies initially hate baths and some babies initially love baths, but ultimately they all seem to come around and love getting bathed.

After washing the baby's face, proceed to the hands and arms, legs and feet, then stomach and finally the back.

When you wash the back you obviously can't roll them over so simply hold them slightly to the side and hold your hand underneath to get the back completely clean.

It is important to save the diaper area for last so it can get special attention if required. Be sure the baby is rinsed very well or else it will itch.

Take the baby out and wrap it well in a soft towel. Readjust the water temperature to makes sure it is where it started so that it is of a perfect temperature for the baby. At this time gently tip the baby's head back and hold their hair under the faucet while at the same time washing the hair with a "no tears" shampoo but it is also most important to keep all water and soap out of the baby's eyes. Further, never let the baby's face get under the faucet.

As the baby gets older you can begin to bathe them in the regular tub but they should never ever be left alone. At that time the baby bath holder can be used to hold towels.

While you are still using the little baby tub it is a good idea to put a towel down so the baby doesn't slip.

If a baby can sit up in a baby seat which is a seat that the baby can sit in as part of the regular tub, you may begin to give them toys to occupy their time.

It is mandatory to have everything to give your baby a bath when starting the bath. Under no circumstances turn your back on the baby and never leave the room.

When testing the baby's water temperature use your elbow not your hand. Hands are more used to hot water and may not give an accurate read where an elbow will.

Finally, talk to your baby. They won't understand a word you say but it will bring you close.

Bathing your baby at first may seem a little intimidating but after just a few times both you and your baby will be handling it like old pros.