How to bathe your baby safely
Bathing can be fun for parent and baby but for the first time mum or dad the experience may seem like a daunting prospect. By following these tips for bathing your baby and buying a few bath safety products, you’ll soon look forward to bath time and the chance to bond with your little one as you get them nice and clean.
How often should you bath a baby?
Until your baby starts to crawl and move about, a daily bath isn’t necessary although some parents like to do so. As long as you frequently wash your baby’s face and clean their genital area when changing their nappies this should be enough to keep your infant clean between baths.
The choice is up to you but using cleansers and tap water too regularly may damage the delicate developing skin of a newborn. You should use a specially formulated cleanser with a gentle pH and use it sparingly within the first weeks.
How should I give my baby a bath?
First of all make sure you have a baby bath, bath chair or bath support. You may find it easier to use a baby bath to begin with as a standard bath can make it awkward to kneel or lean over your infant. This results in a loss of control over your baby’s movements.
If you don’t want to use a baby bath, a baby bath chair or support will keep your infant comfortable and safe in an elevated or seating position.
If you’re going to be using a standard bath, make sure you’ve placed a non-slip mat down to prevent any accidents.
Once you’ve got all your bathing accessories to hand, you’re ready to being. First of all, never leave your baby unattended in the bath and make sure the room is warm to minimise heat loss after the bath. Now follow these steps:
1. To reduce the risk of scalding your baby, run the cold water first and then the hot. Never put your baby in the bath while the water is running though.
2. Check the bath water temperature is warm and not hot. Ideally you should be trying to get the temperature to 38°C (100.4°F). Use a thermometer to make sure.
3. Fill the bath to around five inches of water until your baby reaches six months old then you can add more.
4. If you’re using a baby chair or support, place it into the water.
5. Undress your baby and place them into the bath supporting both head and neck.
6. Use a soft flannel or sponge.
Take the sponge and apply soap to it sparingly. Never use too much soap, shampoo or bubble bath as too much can cause dry skin and irritation – even the formulated baby options. Wash from head to toe and front to back but use moist cotton wool to clean the face and eyes.
7. Rinse the baby with a clean sponge or flannel.
8. Wrap your baby in a towel and pat them dry (don’t rub dry). If their skin feels dry or your baby has nappy rash apply baby moisturiser.
Tags: baby bath, bath, bathing, travel bath