Giving baby a bath
Giving baby a bath
What's the proper way to give baby a bath? You're about to find out.
By the YeahBaby.com editorial staff
Baby bathing isn't as easy as it sounds. Much care is needed before a baby takes a bath. You'll need to consider:
- Temperature of water - The water should neither be hot or cold. Hot water can easily scald a baby's sensitive skin. Opt for warm water, and test the temperature on the inside of your wrist.
- Where to give the bath - In the first few weeks, opt for sponge-bathing baby. Past these first weeks, most parents opt for a special infant tub or a sponge seat which is placed in a regular bath tub.
- What to wash with - Use a mild baby soap.
- Areas to wash - Start by washing baby's cleanest parts, and work your way to the dirtiest.
- How often to bathe - A baby needs a bath no more than twice a week. On off days, clean only baby's face, neck, hands and diaper area.
- When to bathe baby - Baths are best when baby is calm. It's best to wait if baby has been crying or has just eaten.
- Safety - Baby should be held the whole duration of the bath. Never leave baby alone in the tub.
- How to dry - After the bath, dry baby off with a soft towel.
Before baby's umbilical cord stump has fallen off, avoid tub bathing him or her.
Properly cleaning your baby's private parts is important. Make sure to read YeahBaby's guide to cleaning baby genitals.
 | ||||||
| ||||||
 | ||||||
 |
