Bathing a slippery, new baby can be a nerve racking experience for first time parents.
But, with some basic knowledge and a little practice, it can become a relaxing ritual for both you and baby...
Make sure the room is warm, about 75 degrees and I do encourage you have everything ready before you start the bath
These new parents are getting a lesson in bathing their baby.
Until the umbilical cord falls off, sponge baths are recommended .
Start the head and work down. End with the diaper area, since that tends to be the dirtiest.
When you wash an infant, clean their face and neck without any soap.
Add a mild cleanser to a fresh washcloth for the rest of the bath.
And work from top to bottom, front to back, washing the diaper area near the end.
Remember it's important to keep the umbilical cord dry.
Keeping baby warm during a sponge bath is crucial. In the hospital, nurses have special lights to do the job. At home, wrap your baby in a warm towel and only expose areas you're actively washing.
Once the umbilical cord falls off in a week or two, bathing changes. Now, you can wash your baby in a few inches of warm water or in a baby tub.
To keep the baby from getting chilled, remember to shampoo last.
Babies lose up to 70 percent of their heat through their head, so you do not want to keep their head wet for long.
Wash key parts- the face, neck and diaper area everyday, but give your baby a full bath just a few times a week to prevent dry skin.
But, with some basic knowledge and a little practice, it can become a relaxing ritual for both you and baby...
Make sure the room is warm, about 75 degrees and I do encourage you have everything ready before you start the bath
These new parents are getting a lesson in bathing their baby.
Until the umbilical cord falls off, sponge baths are recommended .
Start the head and work down. End with the diaper area, since that tends to be the dirtiest.
When you wash an infant, clean their face and neck without any soap.
Add a mild cleanser to a fresh washcloth for the rest of the bath.
And work from top to bottom, front to back, washing the diaper area near the end.
Remember it's important to keep the umbilical cord dry.
Keeping baby warm during a sponge bath is crucial. In the hospital, nurses have special lights to do the job. At home, wrap your baby in a warm towel and only expose areas you're actively washing.
Once the umbilical cord falls off in a week or two, bathing changes. Now, you can wash your baby in a few inches of warm water or in a baby tub.
To keep the baby from getting chilled, remember to shampoo last.
Babies lose up to 70 percent of their heat through their head, so you do not want to keep their head wet for long.
Wash key parts- the face, neck and diaper area everyday, but give your baby a full bath just a few times a week to prevent dry skin.
