Baby Bath Instruction
By Mary Dillio
9 months may seem like an eternity when you or your partner is expecting; there is an endless amount of work and preparation that needs to be completed before baby arrives. Buying baby clothes, preparing the nursery, cleaning, painting and a variety of other exciting (but tiring) tasks must all be complete before you give birth. Once your new baby arrives, you will find that you are consumed and constantly busy caring for your new baby and the rest of your family. Most new (and old) parents realize they will be too busy to take a break and finish last minute tasks, so why do so many parents remain unprepared when their new baby arrives?
While most parents know that items like diapers, clothes and baby toys are needed, they seem to forget that how and where they will bathe their new baby is a question that remains unknown. Having the proper bathing toiletries, creams and baby friendly sponges are absolute necessities when it comes to bathing your baby. If you are not prepared or do not purchase the right items, you may have to improvise which could lead to rashes, infections or irritated skin for your baby. There are a ton of companies selling baby bath products such as soaps, shampoos and creams on the internet, so if you choose to purchase these items online, it is important to buy from reputable companies.
Before you begin to bathe your baby for the very first time, lay out all of the items you will need so that you never leave your baby unattended if you have to go grab an item. Lay out baby's clean clothes for after the bath, and make sure you have a washcloth or sponge, towel, soap and a clean diaper readily available within reach.
Immerse your washcloth or sponge with warm water at a temperature of less than 120 degrees, ideally between 90-100 degrees. Gently wash your baby's face, removing any debris from the eyes, ears and nose. Do not use soap at this point.
After you have cleaned your baby's face, rinse out your cloth and add a small amount of soap to the warm water and gently clean the baby, starting at the head and making your way down to the diaper area. A lot of cleansers are no rinse, so check the label instructions. Remove the baby from the bath and gently rub until dry with a soft cloth.
If you have already given your baby his or hers first bath, and the umbilical cord or circumcision has healed, your baby is ready for a tub bath. Lay out your soap, shampoo, washcloth and clothes for after the bath. Simply fill your baby tub or clean kitchen sink with water at a temperature of 90-100 degrees. Run your hands through the water to remove any hot spots and test the water with your wrist before placing baby in the bath.
Begin bathing by supporting baby's head and shoulders with one hand, while washing with the other. Wet your cloth with plain water and gently clean baby's face. Add a small amount of mild baby soap to the cloth and gently wash baby, beginning with the shoulders down to the diaper area.
Shampoo, when necessary, should be applied in a very small amount. Gently massage the shampoo into the head and scalp and rinse with washcloth. When you are ready to rinse off baby, always use the existing water, never faucet water. You can use a plastic cup to rinse your baby. Place your baby on a clean towel, pat dry, diaper and then clothe.
Properly bathing your baby will ensure both a happy child and happy parents. Always pay attention to your baby's skin, as many babies may have skin allergies or become irritated easily. Always follow manufacturer's directions when using soap, shampoo or creams.
For more information on bathing your baby, please visit www.babybath.com.
| Mary M Dillio is President of LuxVine Consulting, an Administrative Consulting Company located in New York City. LuxVine provides back-end office support as well as web content, writing & design services. |
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