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BATHING BABIES
Bathing your baby for the very first time could be an exciting experience for first time moms. You possibly are extremely nervous about how to handle the baby while giving the first bath as the baby is extremely fragile and delicate. But not to worry as after the first three or four baths you will be more comfortable with some amount of practice on your hands.
How Often and When
A daily bath is not needed until your baby starts to crawl. With proper cleansing after every diaper change and feeding, a bath thrice a week should be enough to keep him fresh and hygienic.
You could bathe your baby anytime of the day but make sure it is not right after feeding time as too much handling can result in the baby throwing up. Bathing the baby just before his bed time is also suggested for a peaceful and relaxed sleep.
Sponge Bath
Give your baby a sponge bath until the umbilical cord is healed as a regular both might cause infection during this stage. The Baby is prepared for a normal bathing procedure once the cord dries up and falls away.
Some Important Bathing Tips
- Keep all the required supplies like baby soap, shampoo, baby towels handy to avoid last minute rush.
- Ensure that the water heater is set to lower than 120 degrees and never forget to check the water temperature before bathing your baby.
- NEVER LEAVE your baby in the middle of a bath come what may.
- Avoid strong shampoo and soap for babies, only use baby products.
- Begin with the face and finish with the hair always.
- Softly put your baby into the bath tub or sink. Most importantly hold up the neck and head with 1 hand safely in a partially loll position. With the other hand, clean the baby with a sterilized cotton ball wet in lukewarm water. Clean baby’s eyes, wiping lightly from the nose and outer. Use a new cotton ball for each eye. No soap is required.
- Apply soap on the hands and the diaper area everyday.
- Do not clean the insides of your baby’s ears.
- Cleanse your baby’s bottom from front and then to the back.
- Rinse hair more often if the baby gets “cradle cap," a flaky yellow buildup on the scalp. Rub in baby oil into the scalp and let it stay for a half hour, then shampoo hair and get rid of scales with a comb and wash again.
- Once the bathing is done, wrap the baby in a fresh clean towel and pat dry.
- Rub in baby lotion if the baby’s skin appears a little dry.
- And finally dress up your baby with clothes that best suit the season.