Until a baby is crawling around and getting himself dirty, a bath isn’t really necessary more than once or twice a week. Some babies find the warm water very soothing. If this is the case with your baby, let him linger. Others cry through the whole bath, that’s when you’ll want to get him in and out. Keeping the bathing room warm can help.
Sponge baths
Until your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off and the area heals, it’s best to stick to sponge baths with a lukewarm, moistened washcloth. Wash the face and hands frequently, and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change.
Tub baths
After the umbilical cord stump falls off, and the area heals, you can start giving your newborn tub baths. While a baby is tiny, use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby tub instead of a standard tub.
Bath safety
- Never leave your baby unsupervised, even for a minute. A child can drown in less than an inch of water and in less than 60 seconds.
- Never put your baby into a tub when the water is still running: the water temperature could change or the depth could become too high.
- Set your water heater to 48 degrees Celcius. A child can get third-degree burns in less than a minute at 60 degrees.
How to give your baby a bath
- Take all necessary bath supplies, lay out a towel, a clean diaper and clothes.
- Fill the tub with 5 to 8 cm of water that feels warm but not hot, about 30 degrees Celsius.
- Bring your baby to the bath area and undress him.
- Slip your baby into the tub feet first, use one hand to support his neck and head. Pour some bath water over him regularly during the bath so he doesn’t get too cold.
- Use mild soap and wash him with your hand or a washcloth from top to bottom, front and back. Wash his scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. If dried mucus is in the corners of your baby’s nostrils or eyes, dab it several times to soften it before you wipe it out. For your baby’s genitals a routine washing is all that’s needed.
- Rinse your baby with water and wipe him down with a clean washcloth. Lift him out of the tub with your hand supporting his neck and head and the other hand supporting his bottom, with your fingers around one thigh.
- Wrap your baby in a towel and pat him dry. Then diaper him, dress him and hug him.
