Safety Tips for Giving a Newborn a Bath

When you're a first time parent or a new caretaker to a newborn, it can be a little scary. You've got this wonderful little baby with an adorable scrunched up face, but how do you take care of him or her? Some things you may automatically know or may have picked up from being around other babies. But what about bath time? Obviously, you want your child clean, but it can be worrisome if you don't know how to go about bathing an infant so small. There are precautions to take so the child doesn't get hurt. Bathing a newborn isn't all that scary if you know what you're doing. This article will offer several safety tips for giving a newborn a bath to prepare you before you start.

#1: Never Leave Your Newborn Alone in the Bath

One of the most important safety tips is never to leave your newborn alone while you're bathing them in their infant tub. Don't think, "it's only for a second," as you run to answer the phone or grab something from another room. It only takes a second and a small amount of water for a child to drown.

#2: Check the Water Temperature

Before putting your newborn in the water, check the water temperature. Use the inside of your wrist to check it. If it feels at all hot, then it will definitely be too hot for your infant. Also, be sure to check the water temperature on your water heater. The recommended setting is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything hotter then that can burn your newborn's skin.

#3: Turn Off the Water

Do not leave the water running during bathing. The water in the tub can fill up quickly, leaving a drowning hazard to your child. For a newborn, it's best to fill the tub before you place your child into it. If you find you need more water, fill up a cup from the faucet and add it that way.

#4: Keep the Door Closed

Babies can get cold quickly, so keep the door closed during bathing time. This will help ensure that they don't get a chill as easily. If you have a fan going in the bathroom, turn it off during the bath so it doesn't cool your child down.

#5: Use Baby Soap

Use specially made baby soap that doesn't have lots of perfumes and other junk in them. Your newborn's skin is sensitive, and you don't want to harm your baby by bathing him or her in something that has a lot of unnecessary fragrances and dyes. If you're temped to use adult body washes, don't do it. Your child's skin may not be able to handle it.

#6: Non-Skid Mat

A non skid mat for your adult bathtub is a great investment. It will help your child's miniature bathtub stay put and not slide around. If the bathtub slides, it can lead to your infant being hurt, either by falling out of it or turning sideways in the water.

Sources:

"Bathing Your Newborn," BabyCenter.

Janna Oberdorf, "Baby Bath Time Safety Tips," Parents.com.