When you bring home your newborn baby, it can be scary and even intimidate when it comes time to give your newborn baby a bath. You have so many things running through your mind, such as how much water to use, how hot, where to bathe and which products to use.Here is some information you need to know about bathing a baby.
Bathing Your Baby
Before you even pick up your baby, you need to prepare the bath and the area so that everything you need is right at hand. You do not want to have to get up for anything. Draw the water for the bath. It is recommended that you use 2 to 3 inches of water of babies up to six months old and waist high for bigger children. Also, make sure that the water it is not too hot or too cold. To do this, drip some of the water across the inside of your wrist. Try dipping your elbow in the water and use the same temperature gage. Also, place the baby’s towel that you will use for drying, within your reach. Assemble any soaps, shampoos, washcloths, drying towels, robes, and toys in the immediate vicinity as well.
What Bathing Products to Use
There are products out that are specifically formulated for a baby. You want to select a product that is gentle and does not irritate the eyes.
Where to Bathe Your Baby
You can use the bath tub, but it may not be very convenient. A baby bath tub with sponge padding is excellent because it is portable and you can set it on a table. This will save your back tremendously.
How to Give the Baby a Bath
If the baby is a newborn and has not shed the umbilical cord, you need to keep that area dry. Use a soft cloth with a little soap on it and gently wash your baby all over, including the genital area. This is important (it is equally important to dry this area well) to prevent diaper rash. Make sure that when you rinse, that you rinse well. One thing you may want to consider is to start at the feet and work up. Some babies hate to have their faces or hair washed, so if you do that first, the rest of the bath may be completed to the tune of your child screaming his or her head off.
With babies, though, don’t stress out if you don’t have all the latest, trendiest baby stuff with all the bells and whistles, as long as you are safe and have fun bathing your baby, your child nothing else matters. Your baby doesn’t care about all that fancy bath stuff; he or she just wants to be with you.