Baby bathing basics
How often should I bath my baby?
(AWHONN 2007)
(AWHONN 2007, DH 2009)
(AWHONN 2007)
Where should I bath my baby?
When should I bath my baby?
(DH 2009)
(DH 2009, Sibert et al 2005, ROSPA nd)
How to protect your baby's skin in winter 3 ways to relieve your baby's dry, itchy, winter skin. More baby videos
What's the best way to give my baby a bath?
A bowl of warm water, boiled and cooled if your baby is less than two months old, for face washing.
A sponge or cloth.
Baby cleanser, mild soap or bath emollient.
At least one clean, dry towel. Hooded towels are good for wrapping up your baby from top to toe.
An old towel if you have a baby boy. He may pee when his diaper comes off and he feels the fresh air on his skin.
A clean diaper and clothes.
A warm blanket
Keep the room warm and bath water comfortably warm but not hot. If you have a bath thermometer, warm the water to about 37 degrees C (AWHONN 2007) .
. For newborns and babies up to six months old, fill the bath with about 13cm (5in) of water. Or just make sure there’s enough to allow your baby to settle in the water with his shoulders well covered (AWHONN 2007) . Never fill the bath more than waist-high (in sitting position) for older babies.
. Never fill the bath more than waist-high (in sitting position) for older babies. Bring your baby to the bath area, undress him and remove his diaper. If there's poo in the diaper, clean your baby's genitals and bottom before putting him in the bath.
Gradually slip your baby into the bath, using one hand to support his neck and head. Keep a good grip, as he might get quite slippery when he’s wet.
Wash your baby with a little mild, non-perfumed soap or pH neutral liquid baby cleanser. If your baby's skin is dry or tender you could add a little bath emollient to the water. The emollient will make your baby slippery to handle, though.
Use your hand, or a cloth, to clean your baby from top to bottom and front to back. For your baby's genitals, a routine wash is all that’s needed.
Lift your baby out of the bath, and straight onto a dry towel. Wrap him up warm and pat, rather than rub, him dry. You may want to smooth on a mild moisturizing lotion or cream, or oil if his skin is dry.
Dress your baby in clean clothes, wrap him in a dry, warm blanket, and give him a kiss on his sweet-smelling head.
(Blume-Peytavi et al 2009)
References
AWHONN. 2007. Neonatal skin care: evidence-based clinical practice guideline. 2nd ed. Washington DC: Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
Blume-Peytavi U, Cork MJ, Faergemann J, et al. 2009. Bathing and cleansing in newborns from day 1 to first year of life: Recommendations from a European round table meeting. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 23(7):751-9
CPS 2006. Skin care for your babyCanadian Paediatric Society. [file accessed Feb 2012]
DH. 2009. Birth to five. London: Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk [pdf file, accessed September 2010]
Gfatter R, Hackl P, Braun F. 1997. Effects of soap and detergents on skin surface pH, stratum corneum hydration and fat content in infants. Dermatology 195(3):258-62
ROSPA. nd. Accidents to children. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. [Accessed September 2010]
Sibert J, John N, Jenkins D, et al. 2005. Drowning of babies in bath seats: do they provide false reassurance. Child Care Health & Dev 31(3):255-9
It’s up to you how often you bath your baby. Some babies love being in the water, and giving your baby a warm bath can become a fun and relaxing daily ritual.That's not to say you have to bath your baby every day. If your baby is newborn , a bath once or twice a week is enough to keep him clean. Bear in mind that if you live in a hard water area, too much tap water may dry out and damage your baby’s skin.Between baths, wash your baby's face regularly, clean his genitals and bottom after each diaper change , and wipe any muck off his skinWhen you do bath your baby you may find it a little scary the first few times. It's a good idea to have someone with you to give you a bit of support. It's also helpful if you've forgotten something you need for your baby. Until you get into a routine, you'll probably find this is a common occurrence!Handling a wriggling, wet and slippery baby takes practice and confidence, but you and your baby will get used to bath time and enjoy it. Most babies find warm water soothing and a bath may help a fussy baby to relax and calm downTo begin with you may find it easier to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby bath.You could use your big bath, but it can be awkward as you need to kneel or lean over the side. If you do use your big bath, it may help to use a bathing seat or support, or a rubber mat or sponge bath base. You can always hop in too and enjoy a bath with your baby.Choose a time of day when you're not expecting any interruptions and have time to devote to your baby. It's best if your baby is awake and contented before you start, and in between feeds so he’s neither hungry nor fullWhen your baby is newborn you may find it easiest to bath him during the day. But after a couple of months, a bath can become part of his bedtime routine Warm water can help to relax your baby and make him sleepy. It's also an opportunity for other family members to get involved. The nightly bath is a part of baby care that dads often enjoy taking on.If someone comes to the door or the phone rings and you feel you must answer it, scoop your baby up and take him with you.Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, not even for a few seconds. That could be all the time it takes for your baby to get into difficulty in the water, even when he's in a bath seatAt first, bathing your baby may seem like a huge undertaking, with all the things you have to remember to have to hand. It will get easier. It won't be long before your baby's bath becomes another routine you've got down to a fine art.Before you start your baby's bath, gather all the things you’ll need. These may include:Before you bath your baby, wash his face. It's easier than trying to do it while your baby is in the water. There's no need to use soap or cleanser on your baby's face.Wash your baby's face with a clean cloth dipped in warm water and squeezed out.If your baby has dried mucus in his eyes or nostrils, dab it first to soften the mucus. Wipe each eye from the nose outwards with a clean cloth.Now, follow these steps to make baby bathing easy:Once your baby is a couple of months old, you or your partner could share a bath with him. Being in the bath with your baby is a lovely way for you to be close to each other. It's a great way for dads to have precious skin-to-skin time with their baby, too.Make sure the water is warm, not hot. Use mild baby cleansers and washes, as your normal bath products will be too harsh for your baby's skinIt can be tricky, and risky, to get in and out of the bath while holding your baby, so ask your partner or someone else to help. They can pass your baby to you once you’ve got in and lift him back out again when you've finished. Have a splash and don't be sure you are up on bath safety
Baby’s First Bath: How to Bathe a Newborn
Your baby's first bath is an exciting milestone, but handling a tiny slippery-when-wet body in water can be a little nerve-wracking. Still, giving your newborn baby that first bath is actually a joy — and in the early days and weeks, you don’t really dunk your infant into much water at all (phew!).
For some newborn bath pointers, as well as how often you should bathe your baby and the benefits you’ll both reap when you suds her up, read on.
When should baby's first bath be and when should you bathe your newborn?
Wondering what’s a good time to give your newborn a bath and when baby's first bath should be? The scheduling of this event is entirely up to you as long as you pick a moment when you won’t be interrupted or tempted to hurry through the bath. You should probably plan for baby's first bath within a week after birth. Just avoid bathing your newborn right after a feeding (it’s best to let her food settle a bit first) or when she's overtired.
Babies tend to be more alert in the morning, which is appealing to some, though others may slate it in the early evening as part of her goodnight activities. When it’s time to wind down, make her bathtime part of a relaxing bedtime routine that also includes a final bottle or nursing session, a book and a little song.
Keep in mind, however, that newborns don’t need a lot of washing (two or three times a week at most is fine) and at first, you’ll just be giving her a quick a sponge bath until her umbilical cord stump falls off, which usually happens about one to three weeks after birth.
How often should you bathe your newborn?
Until a baby starts getting down and dirty on the ground, a daily bath isn't needed (babies aren’t mobile, so they can’t really pick up a lot of dirt). Your baby only needs a bath two or three times a week and in fact too much bathing can dry out your infant’s delicate skin. Newborns should only have sponge baths until their umbilical cords dry up and fall off.
If your baby's umbilical cord stump is still intact or if a circumcised newborn's penis hasn't healed, avoid tub baths altogether and just use your hands or a baby washcloth for cleanups. When your baby is ready to give it a go, find a flat surface — bathroom or kitchen counter, bed, even the floor — and keep washing up with the sponge gently and briefly until she gets used to it.
When you’re ready to graduate from a sponge bath, move the fun to a baby bathtub and eventually the big tub when your baby can sit up on her own and outgrows the infant tub. There's nothing cuter than seeing a baby splashing in the bath, soapy suds dotting those chubby folds and dimples — but always keep safety in mind. Never leave your baby alone in the bath water — even for a second.
What's a good baby bath temperature?
Your baby's bath water should be comfortably warm, never hot, when you dip your wrist or elbow into it for a temperature check. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the hottest temperature at the faucet should be no more than 120 Fahrenheit to avoid scalding your baby.
How to bathe a newborn
Once you’ve picked a place and time to give your newborn her baths, read over this list of tips that’ll make the whole process a little easier and safer:
Establish a routine. Your baby’s bathtime routine will help set her body clock, especially if you do it in the evening ("Mommy or Daddy is giving me a bath — that means it's almost time for bed"). Reinforce the sleepy-time message by dimming the lights and keeping the noise and activity down after the bath is over. Of course, it’s fine if another time of day works better for you and your baby.
Your baby’s bathtime routine will help set her body clock, especially if you do it in the evening ("Mommy or Daddy is giving me a bath — that means it's almost time for bed"). Reinforce the sleepy-time message by dimming the lights and keeping the noise and activity down after the bath is over. Of course, it’s fine if another time of day works better for you and your baby. Check her mood . You should, however, postpone the bath if your baby is hungry, grumpy or has an upset tummy — that wouldn't be good for anyone involved.
. You should, however, postpone the bath if your baby is hungry, grumpy or has an upset tummy — that wouldn't be good for anyone involved. Gather your supplies. Have everything on hand since you can never leave your baby in the bath (and it’s no fun searching for what you need with a wet, naked infant in tow). The essentials include baby soap and shampoo, cotton washcloths, cotton balls, a plush towel or two, and a plastic basin. You may also want a new diaper, a set of clean clothes and diaper ointment or cream for after the bath.
Have everything on hand since you can never leave your baby in the bath (and it’s no fun searching for what you need with a wet, naked infant in tow). The essentials include baby soap and shampoo, cotton washcloths, cotton balls, a plush towel or two, and a plastic basin. You may also want a new diaper, a set of clean clothes and diaper ointment or cream for after the bath. Document the event. Want to remember these wet and wild early days? Have your partner, a friend or a relative ready with the camera, especially if it's baby's very first bath.
Want to remember these wet and wild early days? Have your partner, a friend or a relative ready with the camera, especially if it's baby's very first bath. Keep it toasty. Babies lose body heat very quickly — especially when they're naked — so make sure the bathing room is warm enough, aiming for a room temperature of about 75 to 80 degrees. (A bathroom can be quickly warmed up with shower steam if necessary.) You can put a warm washcloth on your baby's exposed parts like her tummy to keep her from getting cold. Whether you're using an infant tub or a sink, fill it first with just enough water to cover the bottom of her body, about 2 inches of water. Never put a baby in the tub while the water is still running. The water temperature should be warm (not hot), so test it with your elbow or the inside of your wrist, since those areas are more sensitive than your fingertips. Turn the cold water on first and turn it off last to avoid burning your child.
Babies lose body heat very quickly — especially when they're naked — so make sure the bathing room is warm enough, aiming for a room temperature of about 75 to 80 degrees. (A bathroom can be quickly warmed up with shower steam if necessary.) You can put a warm washcloth on your baby's exposed parts like her tummy to keep her from getting cold. Whether you're using an infant tub or a sink, fill it first with just enough water to cover the bottom of her body, about 2 inches of water. Never put a baby in the tub while the water is still running. The water temperature should be warm (not hot), so test it with your elbow or the inside of your wrist, since those areas are more sensitive than your fingertips. Turn the cold water on first and turn it off last to avoid burning your child. Get a grip. Gently slide your baby into the tub, feet first, holding her securely with one of your arms under her head (use your hand to grasp her underarm farthest away from you) and the other supporting her bottom. She may be as slippery as a fish, but you'll soon get the hang of how to hang on to her. Once she's in, avoid letting her sit for too long in water — it can irritate baby's skin, plus she might get chilly.
Gently slide your baby into the tub, feet first, holding her securely with one of your arms under her head (use your hand to grasp her underarm farthest away from you) and the other supporting her bottom. She may be as slippery as a fish, but you'll soon get the hang of how to hang on to her. Once she's in, avoid letting her sit for too long in water — it can irritate baby's skin, plus she might get chilly. Soap up sparingly. Yup, you do use soap for a newborn sponge bath, but pick a mild one and focus on her hands and diaper area when you're bathing. You can just use water on the rest of her body most days, unless she's really dirty.
Yup, you do use soap for a newborn sponge bath, but pick a mild one and focus on her hands and diaper area when you're bathing. You can just use water on the rest of her body most days, unless she's really dirty. Focus on the face first. Dip a corner of a washcloth or cotton ball in the warm water, and gently wipe one eye from the inner corner outward and then use a different corner or a clean cotton ball for the other eye. Wet the washcloth entirely and wash her face (a bit of soap is fine here), especially around the mouth and under the chin where milk and drool can pool, and inside and behind her ears. (Never use a cotton swab to clean inside your baby's ears.)
Dip a corner of a washcloth or cotton ball in the warm water, and gently wipe one eye from the inner corner outward and then use a different corner or a clean cotton ball for the other eye. Wet the washcloth entirely and wash her face (a bit of soap is fine here), especially around the mouth and under the chin where milk and drool can pool, and inside and behind her ears. (Never use a cotton swab to clean inside your baby's ears.) Wash your baby's body. Dip the washcloth in warm water and wash your little one's neck and torso. Maneuver carefully around the umbilical cord if there's still a stump; it's okay to gently wipe away any crustiness around it. Next, clean under her arms and between her fingers. Be sure to get into those little creases and skin folds.
Dip the washcloth in warm water and wash your little one's neck and torso. Maneuver carefully around the umbilical cord if there's still a stump; it's okay to gently wipe away any crustiness around it. Next, clean under her arms and between her fingers. Be sure to get into those little creases and skin folds. Go easy on private parts. Use a soft, clean cloth, gentle soap, and lukewarm water to clean your baby's genitals. Have a girl? Wash the area from front to back, and don't forget to gently wipe between skin folds. If you have a baby boy who's been circumcised, wipe his penis clean; if your baby boy is uncircumcised, no need to pull back his foreskin. Next up: that tiny little bottom (use a little soap).
Use a soft, clean cloth, gentle soap, and lukewarm water to clean your baby's genitals. Have a girl? Wash the area from front to back, and don't forget to gently wipe between skin folds. If you have a baby boy who's been circumcised, wipe his penis clean; if your baby boy is uncircumcised, no need to pull back his foreskin. Next up: that tiny little bottom (use a little soap). Use a tear-free baby shampoo. If, of course, she has any hair. If she doesn't, wipe her head with a washcloth. Using water and a tiny bit of shampoo, lather your baby's scalp. Massage it with the pads of your fingers, including the area over the fontanelles (soft spots) on the top of the head. Don't worry — you won't poke through — just be gentle and it'll be fine. If your baby develops cradle cap, talk to your pediatrician, who may recommend rubbing a little mineral oil on baby’s head before bathtime (to help lift the crusts and loosen any scales) and then gently wiping it off with a soft washcloth.
If, of course, she has any hair. If she doesn't, wipe her head with a washcloth. Using water and a tiny bit of shampoo, lather your baby's scalp. Massage it with the pads of your fingers, including the area over the fontanelles (soft spots) on the top of the head. Don't worry — you won't poke through — just be gentle and it'll be fine. If your baby develops cradle cap, talk to your pediatrician, who may recommend rubbing a little mineral oil on baby’s head before bathtime (to help lift the crusts and loosen any scales) and then gently wiping it off with a soft washcloth. Don't force it. If your baby absolutely hates being bathed in the tub, go back to sponge baths for a few days, then try again. She'll get the hang of it eventually.
If your baby absolutely hates being bathed in the tub, go back to sponge baths for a few days, then try again. She'll get the hang of it eventually. Stay safe. Never leave a baby alone in or near the tub, and always keep at least one hand on her body at all times. If you’ve forgotten something, you’ll need to take your baby with you to get it or ask your partner, sitter or family member to deliver whatever you’re missing.
How to dry a newborn after a bath
Here’s how to wrap up your baby’s bath, including a bit about rinsing, drying and using lotion:
Rinse well. Use clean, warm water for that final rinse cycle, holding your little one football-style, with the back of his head cradled in one hand, his body draped along your arm, and his head over the basin. Fill the cup with water and gently pour it over your baby's head and then the body parts.
Use clean, warm water for that final rinse cycle, holding your little one football-style, with the back of his head cradled in one hand, his body draped along your arm, and his head over the basin. Fill the cup with water and gently pour it over your baby's head and then the body parts. Dry her gently. Next up, pat (don't rub) your baby's skin with a soft dry towel. Be sure to thoroughly dry her bottom and any other areas where there are folds of skin. Chubby babies have lots of those!
Next up, pat (don't rub) your baby's skin with a soft dry towel. Be sure to thoroughly dry her bottom and any other areas where there are folds of skin. Chubby babies have lots of those! Go easy on the baby lotion. That beautiful and ultra-sensitive skin doesn't need much, if any, in the way of lotions, oils or creams, though a little baby-safe lotion is okay. But avoid baby powders, which can irritate an infant's breathing passages. If your practitioner recommends it your baby has dry or eczema-prone skin), massage a hypoallergenic lotion into her skin after warming it in your palms.
That beautiful and ultra-sensitive skin doesn't need much, if any, in the way of lotions, oils or creams, though a little baby-safe lotion is okay. But avoid baby powders, which can irritate an infant's breathing passages. If your practitioner recommends it your baby has dry or eczema-prone skin), massage a hypoallergenic lotion into her skin after warming it in your palms. Diaper and dress. Slip on a fresh diaper and dress your baby in some clean clothes. If she needs a little soothing after the sponge bath, swaddle her up in a blanket, then get settled in for a snuggle with your clean, sweet-smelling baby.
Why is it important to bathe a newborn baby?
The benefits of bathtime go way beyond a basic cleanup! Here’s why baths are good for babies:
They boost bonding. Bathtime quickly becomes a highlight of the day because it’s all about time spent together. Taking care of your baby lets her know you care, so gaze into her eyes, kiss that yummy baby belly, count those tiny toes and sing silly songs as you wash. Feeling your gentle touch and hearing your voice will let your little one know how much she's loved.
There’s so much learning. Yup, there's plenty to learn in the tub. Tickle your little one's senses by trickling water gently onto her tummy or teach a lesson in cause-and-effect by showing how to kick the water and create a splash. And don't forget a play-by-play as you wash — name her little body parts as you bathe — and she'll be learning a tub-full of words!
They can be soothing. You probably already know this from your own bathing experience, but nothing's more calming and comforting than a soak in a tub after a long day. Up the relaxation even more by trying your hand at infant massage afterwards. While most little ones love it, if your baby balks (she fusses or turns her head), don't sweat it — just cuddle instead.
They may induce sleep. There's even more reason to love bathing your baby, especially if you add it to her bedtime routine. The warm water, warm room and warm feeling of being safe, secure and loved work magic and will put your baby in the mood to snooze.
Bathtime is fun time for babies and their new parents! If yours seems less than thrilled, make the event short and sweet. Soon enough, your baby will squeal with delight when you turn on the tap.
Bath Basics: A New Parents’ Guide to Baby’s Bath Time – Gerber Childrenswear
As a new parent, you’re probably beginning to realize that many baby-related tasks aren’t nearly as simple and straightforward as you originally thought they would be. The same can hold true for baby bath time.
Giving your baby a bath is not only a wonderful bonding experience, it’s also essential to your baby’s health and happiness. Keeping your little one clean will help fend off disease and protect their delicate immune system in the first few weeks and months of their life.
But even when you go in with a game plan for baby bath time, you might find that you need to change course when your baby just isn’t having any of it. As frustrating as this can be, it’s also perfectly normal.
So, how can you master the art of giving your baby a bath and turn it into a lovely bonding experience for the both of you? Here is a simple guide to help you navigate bath time with the ease and confidence of an experienced parent:
What Do I Need for Baby Bath Time?
Before you can give your baby a bath, you should first have everything you need for bath time ready to go. Here are some basic bath items that are essential to a happy, joyous bath time for boys and girls:
Baby tub or basin. Baby tubs/basins are recommended until your baby can sit up on their own. Once they can sit up, they can move to the adult tub.
Baby-safe cleanser. Babies have sensitive skin that will react to chemicals found in adult soaps and cleansers. Use a gentle wash formulated for babies such as Aveeno Baby Wash or CeraVe Baby Wash .
Washcloths and sponge. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents use a sponge until the umbilical cord stump heals. After it has fallen off, you can use baby washcloths to gently cleanse your baby’s soft skin.
Hooded bath towel. As cute as some hooded bath towels can be, they aren’t just to make your baby adorable for bath time photo ops. Babies can lose a significant amount of heat from their head, making hooded towels a must-have for bath time.
Receiving blanket (optional). Receiving blankets are an incredibly versatile item that can be used for burping, nursing or simply keeping a newborn warm and cozy. While you don’t necessarily need it for bath time, swaddle blankets can be super helpful by making your baby feel secure when you submerge them in water.
Fresh diaper and clean outfit. Have a clean disposable or cloth diaper ready post-bath time, along with a clean baby sleeper to keep them warm and snug.
When Does My Baby Need Their First Bath?
After finally bringing home your little bundle, you may be wondering exactly when they will need their first bath. A recent trend has been to wait 24-48 hours to wash newborns due to the growing evidence which suggests that putting off bath time can benefit both the baby and the parents.
Given that most newborns don’t get too dirty, some parents will wait between 10 days and three weeks to give their first sponge bath (no regular baths until the umbilical cord has healed). If you still aren’t sure, be sure to ask your doctor how long they recommend waiting.
How Often Should I Bathe My Baby?
If you’ve asked all your friends how often they wash their babies, you’ve probably received a lot of different answers. Some might say every day, while others say to bathe them only twice a week.
So, what’s the real answer? Most doctors recommend washing your baby no more than 2-3 times a week to avoid drying out your little one’s delicate skin. However, there are exceptions.
Babies get dirty eventually, whether it’s from a diaper blowout, spit up or vomit. There will be some instances where you just washed your baby the day before and think, “Yep, this baby definitely needs a bath!”
Apart from the random messy incident, when is it acceptable to wash your baby more than 2-3 times per week? Here are a few other exceptions to the rule:
Saving soap for deep cleans. It’s acceptable to wash your baby every day as long as you don’t use soap each time. Even baby-safe soaps are formulated to clean the skin and can lead to excessive drying if you aren’t careful.
Using moisturizer after bath time. If you’re worried about your baby’s skin becoming too dry, you can also apply a fragrance-free hypoallergenic moisturizer all over their skin (being sure to take care around the eyes and mouth, of course).
Trying to calm colic babies. Your baby is crying for hours on end and the only thing that seems to help is bath time. Although you certainly don’t want to wash your baby more than necessary, there are some things that are worth doing for your sanity. As long as you skip the soap and moisturize your baby after bath time, bathing them each day is perfectly fine.
How to Bathe Your Baby Like a Pro
If you’re feeling nervous about washing your baby for the first time, that’s normal for a new parent. Who wouldn’t be nervous to wash a delicate baby with little to no sleep?
Rest assured that the process is much easier than you think. Although the following steps may seem overwhelming, they will soon become second nature to you as you get the hang of baby bath time:
Check the water temperature. Always check the water temperature before bathing your little one. You can do this by dipping your elbow in the water or by purchasing a bath thermometer (between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit).
Gently place your baby in the tub. As you lower your baby into the tub, be sure to support their head and neck. With one arm supporting the head and neck, use your other arm to gently bathe them.
Use cotton pads to wipe their eyes. Gently swipe a damp cotton pad across your baby’s eyes. Use a different cotton pad for each eye to avoid spreading a possible infection.
Use a washcloth for their head and neck. Use a baby washcloth to clean the neck, head and behind the ears. Don’t forget the creases and rolls.
Rinse off the cleanser. Using a small cup of water, carefully pour water to remove all soap residue from your baby’s skin.
Remove them from the tub. Pick your baby up from underneath their arms, making sure that their head is supported. Place them on a flat surface and gently pat them dry.
Apply moisturizer. Before getting them dressed, slather a baby-safe moisturizer all over their skin to prevent dryness.
Bath Time for Girls and Boys
There isn’t a huge difference in bath time for boys versus bath time for girls. However, you do need to be aware of a few anatomical differences that will affect your bathing technique.
Bath time for boys: Gently wash the penis with a baby washcloth and pat dry. Avoid pulling back the foreskin on uncircumcised boys.
Bath time for girls: You can use a cotton pad, water and gentle soap to wipe your baby girl’s genitals. Just take care to scrub the vulva only, not the vagina. To keep this area as clean as possible, always wipe front to back when changing her diaper.
What if My Baby Pees or Poops in the Tub?
It’s very common for babies to pee and poop in the tub. If it happens, don’t sweat it. Just drain the water if your little one poops.
Pee is sterile, so you can keep going and just be careful not to get any water in their mouth. If your baby is pooping in the tub regularly, there are a few tricks to work around this.
First, you can wait until they’ve had a bowel movement before giving them a bath. If this is inconvenient, you can always try giving your baby food immediately after a bath so that they associate it with positive things.
Tips for Making Baby Bath Time Fun
Some babies love water, while other babies will cry and squirm. When your baby dislikes bath time, it can make the entire process much more stressful.
Here are a few tips to help ease your little one into it and make bath time more enjoyable for both of you:
Make sure both the room and the water are warm enough. Fussy babies may just be too cold. Some new parents find that increasing the water temperature ever so slightly and keeping their bathroom warm can help make their little one content during bath time.
Start with a top and tail bath. A top and tail bath simply means washing your baby’s face, neck and bottom regularly. It’s a great way to introduce bath time to a reluctant baby.
Bathe with your baby. If you’re confident enough and the umbilical cord is finally off, feel free to try bathing with your baby. It can be a great bonding experience for the two of you because it provides an opportunity for skin-to-skin contact.
Play with bath items. Excite your baby’s senses by using baby washcloths and bath towels in various textures. Place a washcloth over the belly to keep their belly warm while making them feel comforted.
Give your baby a massage. Babies love being touched! A bath massage will help relax them while they’re in the tub and potentially help them fall asleep after the bath is over.
Talk with your baby. It’s difficult to be a new parent, especially if your partner has gone back to work and you’re home alone. Why not talk to your baby? Not only is it cathartic for you to chat about your day, your baby will enjoy hearing your voice.
Morning or night. Some babies get excited in water, while others may start feeling relaxed and sleepy in the tub. You can make bath time work in your favor by giving them a bath to wake them up or put them to sleep.
Additional Safety Considerations for Baby Bath Time
You no doubt want to make bath time for your baby as safe and enjoyable as possible. To do this, consider taking the following safety precautions:
Lower your water heater temperature. Be sure to avoid accidentally scalding your baby with water that is too hot. Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit so that the water isn’t dangerously hot.
Buy a non-skid mat. Place a non-skid mat by the bathtub to prevent slipping. Even if you aren’t bathing with your newborn, they will eventually transition to the tub anyway.
Learn child CPR. It never hurts to learn child CPR. Children can drown in as little as 1 inch of water. On a similar note, keep the toilet lid and shower doors shut when not in use.
Never leave your baby alone. Never walk away while your baby is in the tub or on a flat counter, even for a second. Place the baby in a safe and secure bassinet before emptying the bath water.
Cover the tub spout. Nothing ruins bath time like a painful bonk to the head. Bath spouts can be sharp enough to make your baby’s head bleed, so be sure to cover the tub spout and any other sharp objects such as protruding shower doors.
Keep electric appliances away from the tub. Store electronics away so that a baby or toddler can’t grab them and pull them near the tub.
Cherishing Bath Time with Your Baby
Baby bath time is more than just washing your baby and keeping them clean. It’s also a crucial time for bonding with your baby and helping them develop their growing minds.
While it may feel stressful at first, bath time will soon evolve into a fun experience for the both of you. Not only will your precious little one be clean and healthy, they’ll be a much happier baby who has a stronger connection with you.
