Babies / Infants Home Care

Bathing Your Baby

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Why is bath time important?

Bath time is more than just a time to clean your baby. This time can also be a special time for you and your baby to enjoy each other's company. A bath at bedtime can relax your baby and help lead to sleep. It is also a good time to check him / her for any new marks or rashes.

Until your baby is crawling around and getting messy, you should give your baby a mild soap bath only 3 or 4 times a week. Also, you may give a plain water bath to your baby on other days if he / she is hot and sweaty or just for fun. Remember that your baby's face, hands and diaper area need frequent cleaning, not just at bath time.

Safety tips

Gather all the things you will need before you start giving the bath so you will not have to leave your baby.
Allow plenty of time for the bath so that you will not be in a hurry.
Never leave your baby alone in the tub. If the phone or doorbell rings and you must answer it, wrap your baby in a towel and take him/her with you.
Keep the room temperature 75-80°F (24-27°C) to keep the baby from chilling. Try running the shower for a few minutes first to warm the bathroom. Turn off the shower before you start your baby's bath. Avoid drafts.
Always test the bath water before bathing to prevent chilling or burning. You can test the water by putting your wrist or elbow in the water. It should feel comfortably warm.

Always keep a firm hold on the baby after lathering. Soapy bodies are slippery.
Until the umbilical cord has fallen off and the circumcision site is healed, do not put your baby in a tub.

The dirty water in a tub can get into these open areas and cause an infection. Wait 1 day after the umbilical cord has come off and 1 week after a circumcision to give a tub bath.

Baby Bath Supplies

Mild soap
Washcloth
Towel
Diaper rash ointment (if needed)
Diaper
Clothing that is suitable for the weather
A small blanket

Giving Your Baby a Sponge Bath

Select a bath site. The changing table, kitchen or bathroom counter are good places to give a sponge bath. Remember never to turn your back on your baby while bathing him/her.
Gather all of your supplies before undressing your baby.
To wash your baby's body, remove all clothing except the diaper until it is time to wash his/her bottom.

Note: Most newborns dislike being totally bare.
Cover your baby with a blanket and expose only the body part that you are washing. This will help keep your baby warm.
Face: Use a washcloth moistened with clear water. Start at the inner corner of the eye and wash toward the ear. There is no need to use soap on a baby's face.
Ears: Wash the outer ear and behind the ears. Never put anything into the ears to clean them.
Hair: Your baby's hair only needs to be washed 2-3 times a week. The easiest way to wash your baby's hair is to use the "football hold." This is done by supporting your baby's head with your hand and his / her body with your forearm.

Rest your baby's buttock on your hip. Wet your baby's head with clear water. Apply a small amount of soap to your baby's scalp and rub gently. Rinse with water and towel dry.
Wash arms, legs, trunk and back. Be careful to wash all the creases and then thoroughly pat dry.
Following the guidelines below to wash the diaper area.

Girls: Wash front to back. Gently spread the labia and clean with mild soap and water.

Note: A white vaginal discharge is normal; do not try to scrub it away.
Circumcised boys: Let warm soapy water gently flow over the penis and rinse well without rubbing.
Uncircumcised boys: Wash area with soap and water externally. Do not pull back the foreskin as this can be harmful.
Be sure to completely dry the diaper area before putting on the diaper.

Dry and dress your baby.

Giving Your Baby a Tub Bath

Select a bath site. The bathtub, kitchen sink or bathroom sink are good places to give a tub bath. Some parents choose the sink because they are more comfortable not leaning over their bathtub. You can place a towel or a foam pad on the bottom of the sink so that it is more comfortable for your baby.

If you use a portable baby bathtub, please be sure that it is on a sturdy table so that it will not tip over. A baby bathtub filled with water can be heavy. Ask your doctor if you can lift that much weight. Never carry the baby bathtub with your baby in it.
Gather all of your supplies before filling the tub and undressing your baby.
Fill the tub with 3 inches of water. Never run water with your baby in the tub as changes in water temperature can happen quickly.
Note: Do not add soap or bubble bath to the water. This can dry your baby's skin.
Slowly place your baby into the tub. Use a calm reassuring voice to soothe your baby. Always support your baby's head with your hand.
Use your other hand to wash and rinse your baby in the same manner as a sponge bath.
Dry and dress your baby.

Important: Avoid the use of talc-based powders as they can irritate the baby's breathing passage.

Note: This is a good time to trim your baby's nails. Use manicure scissors or baby nail trimmers. This should be done regularly to avoid long nails that can scratch your child's face.

Dressing Your Baby

Make sure your baby stays warm. Dress him / her in layers as you would yourself. Usually a baby that is dressed too warmly will turn red, fuss and possibly sweat. A baby that is too cold may fuss and / or look pale.

The temperature of a baby's hand may not be a good indicator of his / her whole body's condition. To be sure of your baby's condition, touch his / her stomach. If the baby's stomach feels cool, add another layer of clothes or a blanket.