Baby care:Bathing

Splish, splash...baby's taking a bath!

Many parents are so anxious to give their baby their first bath! Until a baby begins crawling and walking, a daily bath is not necessary. You should spot clean your baby at diaper changes, clothing changes and after feedings. A bath two or three times a week will keep your baby clean and smelling fresh. You should not bathe your child until the umbilical stump falls off and the circumcision is healed. Sponge baths are fine during the first few weeks. Make sure you wash your baby's face, neck, hands, genitals and bottom. To give a sponge bath, choose a spot to clean your baby. A changing table, kitchen counter, your bed or other safe surfaces are all fine for your baby. Cover the area with a waterproof pad and a thick towel or cover for comfort. You should gather the necessary supplies to wash your baby before you undress him. Because most babies do not like to be completely naked all at once, remove your baby's clothes and cover him with a towel. Unless you want a shower yourself, you should not remove the baby's diaper until you are ready to wash his genital area. So that your water and washcloth stay clean throughout the bath, start with the cleanest areas and work your way towards the dirtiest. Wash your baby's head with soap and water once or twice a week. On the days that you do not use soap, water will work fine. Babies lose heat through their heads so make sure to towel dry his head before continuing. To clean your baby's eyes, simply use a warm, wet cotton ball and wipe gently from the nose outward. No soap is needed for your baby's face, neck or chest. Just use a wet washcloth and cleanse well, making sure to get into the creases and folds of skin. Cleanse your baby's hands with soap, but rinse quickly before she puts her hands in her mouth. Turn your baby over and wash her back, legs and bottom. After you have cleansed your baby, apply diaper ointment if needed. Give your baby a clean diaper and change her clothes.

When designating the best time for a bath, think about your schedule. When do you have the most time for undivided care? Baths should not be rushed and you want to be fully alert while you are giving your baby a bath. Make sure that you will not have to leave your baby unattended during the bath, even for a second. If you decide to give your baby a bath before bedtime, the bath may act as a relaxer and your baby may sleep better. You should not give your baby a bath right before or right after a feeding.

Although not a necessity, you may choose to use a portable tub for your baby's baths. Any room in the house will accomodate the baby's bathtub. You should place your child's tub at a level that is comfortable for you to bathe your baby. The room that you choose to bathe your baby in should be warm and all fans and air conditioning should be turned off. To avoid a possible chill, you can warm the bathroom beforehand with shower steam to make your baby more comfortable. When giving a tub bath, be sure the water temperature is comfortable and make sure you hold onto your baby so that he does not lose his sense of security and become fearful of the tub. Before you start to bathe your baby, make sure that you have all of the necessary bathing supplies on hand. Run approximately two inches of water into the baby's bathtub and test with your elbow to make sure the water is not too hot. Because sudden temperature changes can occur, you should never run water with your baby in the bathtub. Completely undress your baby and gradually immerse her body in the water. Talk to your baby as you are putting her in the water, especially during the first few baths. Remember that soapy babies are slippery babies. Hold your baby in the water, unless there is built in support, and with your free hand, wash her body from the cleanest to the dirtiest areas. Wash your baby's head with mild soap and hold her head steady as you clean the rest of her body. Wipe your baby's eyes with a clean sterile cotton ball, using a clean cotton ball for each eye. Once you have thoroughly washed your baby, rinse well and wrap your baby in a hooded towel. Dry your baby off and give her a clean diaper and change of clothes.

Necessary Bathing Supplies:

*Baby soap or shampoo
*Washcloth
*Sterile cotton balls for cleaning the eyes
*Hooded towel
*Clean diaper and ointment if needed
*Change of clothing
*Alcohol pads for umbilical cord-if needed

Comments: Baby care - Bathing

Comments 1 to 8 of about 8.

RobinG - 182 days ago.
My oldest is 13 and he uses regular soap, my 9 year old uses the baby soap and so does my 19 month old. I prefer it. It is more gentle on skin and best til your child can wash safely without getting soap in their eyes. Nothing more painful soap in your eyes so I prefer it for as long as they want :) You def dont want regular soap to get into your babys eyes from the lather or soapy water. It burns! (())

munchkinsmommie - 182 days ago.
My son is 6 and I still use the baby bath head to toe wash. It is the tearless one. He loves to play in the tub still and this way I do not have to hear about soap in his eyes and now with a 8 month old I only have to buy soap for both.

mommy4-2 - 182 days ago.
Nicolasmom-wow 4 1/2...He has a while on the baby products than....thanks

NicholasMom - 182 days ago.
Mommy4-2, not sure if about others, but my son is 4 1/2 and we still use the baby soap and lotion. It seems more gentle for him plus it smells so good! :)

mommy4-2 - 182 days ago.
My son is 15 months old.. I was wondering how long do most parents use the baby wash and other baby produts on their children. What age should you start using regular soap and lotion. When he's with my mom she uses regular bar soap on him but I still use baby johnson products.

jenakers - 264 days ago.
Possibly a different time of day to bath him. It probably won't help with the crying but, it would give him time to settle down and forget about the bath and get a good night's sleep.

Bri - 264 days ago.
Have you tried bathing with him. Skin to skin and when you get out it's the pair of you doing it together. I thought it could be the heat but you said it wasn't that. I'd try doing it together. Maybe he's just scared and needs moms warmth and security.

bluey04 - 264 days ago.
My 3 month old son screams once taken out of the bath and laid down to get dried. It takes a good 15-20mins to settle him following this. Usually by feeding him. Initially tried drying him in his nursery, lights dimmed and music on then tried distraction with the tv on...tried heating the room and warming towels, nothing is working and he gets so bagged up with wind after this that he is unsettled through the night.....any suggestions on what else to try would be much appreciated.