Are you wondering how to bathe a young child? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the basics. Bathing a newborn with sm...
Are you wondering how to bathe a young child?
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master
the basics.
Bathing a newborn with smooth skin can be a nerve-wracking
experience, and a baby may not like it either. But with a little practice,
you'll start to feel more comfortable at bath time. Start by learning the
basics of baby bathing.
How
often does a newborn baby need to be bathed?
There is no need to bathe your newborn baby every day. Three
times a week may be enough to make your baby more mobile. Over-bathing your
baby may cause his skin to dry out. If you're quick and meticulous in changing
nappies and burping clothes, you're already cleaning the parts that need to be
taken care of — the face, neck and diaper area.
Is it
better to bathe my baby in the morning or in the evening?
This is up to you. Choose a time when you are not in a hurry
or you can be interrupted. Some parents prefer the morning bath when their
children are alert. Others prefer to make their children's bath a part of the
calm ritual before bedtime. If you bathe your baby after eating, be sure to
wait until your baby's stomach settles a little bit first.
Is it
sufficient to bathe the baby with a sponge?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that an infant
sponge bathe until the umbilical cord stump falls off — which can take anywhere
from one to two weeks. To bathe your baby with a sponge, you will need:
A warm place with a flat surface. It can be used as a
bathroom or kitchen counter, baby changing table or firm bed. It's okay to even
use a blanket or towel on the floor. Line hard surfaces with a blanket or
towel.
A sheet, towel, or soft pillow. Unfold it so that the baby
lies on it.
empty hand. Keep only one hand on your baby. Also, use a seat
belt if he is lying on the changing table.
A shallow plastic bowl or basin to hold water. Warm water in
a bowl or sink. Check the water temperature with your hand to make sure it
isn't too hot.
Basic supplies. Bring a washcloth, towel — preferably a
hooded one — a mild baby shampoo, mild moisturizing soap, baby wipes, a clean
diaper and a change of clothing.
Take off your baby's clothes and wrap him in a towel. Lay
your baby on his back in the prepared area. To keep your baby warm, only expose
the parts of the baby's body that you wash. Wet a piece of cloth, wring out the
excess water, and rub it on the baby's face. Wipe each eyelid from the inner
corner to the outer corner.
To clean your baby's body, use plain water or a mild
moisturizing soap. Pay special attention to the creases under the arms, behind
the ears, around the neck, and in the diaper area. And also clean between the
fingers of the hands and feet of the baby.
What
is the best type of baby bathtub?
Once your baby is ready to bathe, you can use a plastic tub
or baby bathtub. Place a clean towel beside the bathtub or bathtub. Gather
items you will be using such as a bath sponge, a cup of rinse water and, if
necessary, baby shampoo, before you start bathing. This will allow you to have
one hand on the baby at all times. Never leave him alone in the water.
How
much water should I put in the aquarium?
The common recommendation is 2 inches (about 5 centimeters)
of warm — not hot — water. To keep your baby warm, you can pour water over his
head during the bath. Some research suggests that using a little more water —
enough to cover your child's shoulders — can soothe him and help reduce heat
loss. Whatever the amount of water, make sure you hold the baby securely during
the bath.
What
about the water temperature?
Warm water is best. To avoid scalding with hot water, set the
water heater thermostat below 120 F (49 C). And always check the temperature of
the water with your hands before bathing your baby. The best water temperature
is 100 F (38 C). And make sure the room is comfortably warm, too. A wet baby
can catch a cold easily.
What
is the best way to hold my newborn in the bathtub?
Holding your baby tightly will help him or her feel
comfortable and stay safe in the bathtub. Use your unreliable arm to support
your baby's head and neck, and use the other arm to grab his body and bring him
into the water with his feet first. Continue to support the baby's head and
back as necessary. You can extend your arm behind the baby and hold his arm
from the other side while bathing.
What
should be washed first?
Most parents start with the baby's face and work their way
down to the dirtiest parts of the body. This procedure keeps the rinsed parts
away from the soap.
Should
a newborn's hair be washed?
If your newborn baby has hair and you think it needs washing,
you can do it without worry. Gently massage your baby's scalp with a drop of
diluted baby shampoo. Rinse off the shampoo with a cup of water or a damp
cloth, making sure you place your hand on your child's forehead to keep him out
of his eyes.
Does
using lotion after bathing the baby help prevent rashes?
Most newborns don't need lotion after a bath. If your
newborn's skin is very dry, apply a small amount of an unscented moisturizer
for babies to the dry areas of the skin. Massage can make your child feel
better. If your baby's skin is still dry, you can try bathing with water more
often.
