Washing a baby might not be as scary as you think but it is more complicated if you’re not prepared. Here’s how to get started:
Choose a location: Position the bath somewhere you can feel stable and comfortable holding the baby. The kitchen sink works before your baby grows larger as it’s at an optimal height. A plastic baby bath also works. Be extra cautious using a bath tub and NEVER leave your baby unattended during bath time.
Gather and place: place everything within arms reach so that you can keep one hand on your baby while reaching for everything you may need. Some things you made need include:
▪️Mild, tear free, fragrance free, non-irritating soap and shampoo
▪️Sponge or washcloths
▪️Towel
▪️Lotion
▪️Diaper and diaper supplies
▪️Clean clothes
🔹Toasty temperature: Keep the place toasty warm so your baby can stay warm when out of the water. The water temperature should be lukewarm (37-38°C) to touch (warm to the inside of your wrists) but not hot.
🔹Fill the bath with around 5 cm of water and while supporting your baby’s head and bottom with your arm, slowly dip your baby feet first into the tub or sink and lay your baby down in the bath, submerging the back of the head.
🔹Wash your baby with fragrance free soap with a washcloth. Use some cotton buds to wipe mucus from nostrils and eyes.
🔹Rinse off with some water and take her out of the bath and lay her on her back on a clean towel, keeping her warm.
🔹Wrap your baby in the towel and pat dry. Do not rub as that causes irritation. Pay special attention to creases, pits, and areas that are easy to miss such as behind the ears and under the chin.
🔹If your baby’s skin is dry, apply some fragrance free, hypoallergenic lotion.
🔹Starting with the diaper first, dress your baby.