It can be scary and even intimidating when you are bathing your baby for the first time, but if you are prepared and have a little knowledge behind you, bathing your baby will be a precious time that you and your child will enjoy. So read on to learn how to give your baby a bath.
When you bring home your newborn baby, it can be scary and even intimidating 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.
Preparing for 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 for babies up to six months old and waist high for bigger children. Also make sure that the water 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 gauge. 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. For a very young infant, baby wash is a good option for washing both hair and body; however, you may get some baby shampoo if you wish. There is also baby oil that you can put in the bath water, but you may want to consider a few things first. Oil will make the baby slippery and it may damage certain tubs.
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. You can also use the kitchen sink. Mothers have been doing this for years. Just do not use too much water and be careful.
How to Give 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 absolutely 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.
Bath Aides for Bathing Your Baby
You have a wide selection of baby bath aids that are available for you to use when bathing your baby. There are infant tubs that are very convenient. There is also the bath support seats that can be used once the baby can sit up alone. It has suction cups that allow it to adhere to the bottom of the tub. The baby sits in the center and there is a tray around the seat.
With babies, though, do not stress out if you do not 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, nothing else matters. Your baby does not care about all that fancy bath stuff; he or she just wants to be with you.
You can read more helpful parenting tips and safety guides at Baby-Care-Help-Center. And you can purchase baby bathing items here.
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