Bath Time
Many parents and babies love bath time but there is no evidence that suggests babies must have a daily bath. It's up to you and your baby really. The overuse of strong cleansers and even tap water can damage the developing skin of newborns, so its best to only use pH neutral cleansers or mild soaps designed especially for babies and use them sparingly in the first few weeks.
Washing his face frequently and thoroughly with cooled boiled water, cleaning the babies genital area after each nappy change, will be enough to keep the baby clean between baths. When you bath your baby it is important to keep a good grip as they become very slippery when wet. Most babies find the warm water very enjoyable and soothing.
Bathing your newborn
The Best place to bath your baby is in the kitchen sink or a small baby bath. By using a baby bath you can bath your baby in any room in the house although you may find it difficult filling, lifting and emptying the baby bath. A wide selection of baby baths and baby bathing accessories can be found on the kiddisave website.
Using a standard bath requires you to kneel or lean awkwardly over your baby and gives you less control over his movements. Also if you’re using the sink or basin remember to wrap some facecloths around the taps to avoid burns, knocks or bumps.
Never leave your baby unattended in any kind of bath, even for a minute, as a baby can drown in just a couple of inches of water.
Assemble all necessary bath accessories.
• Two towels (in case of accidents)
• Cotton wool
• A baby sponge, if used
• Baby bath liquid or soap, if used
• Baby shampoo, if used
• Jug of luke-warm water, if shampooing
• A clean nappy
• Nappy cream, if used
• If necessary, clean clothes
Make sure the room is warm and the bath water is comfortably warm but not hot; about 38 degrees Centrigrade, this can be measured using a baby bath thermometer, but always do the elbow test, too. The water should be no deeper than four inches, and should feel just warmer than tepid, as your baby's skin is five times more sensitive than an adult’s.
Bring your baby to the bath area and begin by undressing your baby to his nappy, then gently cleansing his eyes, ears, nose, face and neck creases, using luke warm water, and a fresh piece of cotton wool for each area.
It's easiest to wash your baby's hair before you put him in the bath. Hold him firmly under one arm, supporting his head with the same hand. Hold him over the bath, tipping him down slightly to avoid the water going in his eyes. Sponge or scoop some water over the back of his head using your free hand, then quickly pat his head dry. It's not really necessary to use shampoo but if you use one, choose a product specially designed for babies. Squeeze a small, pea-sized amount on to the crown of his head and smooth it gently over his hair, then rinse until all the shampoo has gone.
Remove your baby's nappy and gradually slip your baby into the bath, using one hand to support his neck and head.
Use soap sparingly as you wash him with your hand or a flannel or sponge from top to bottom, front to back. Use moistened cotton wool to clean his eyes and face.
Rinse your baby thoroughly with a clean flannel.
Wrap your baby in a towel and pat him dry. If his skin is dry, or if he has a bit of nappy rash, you may want to apply a baby moisturising lotion after his bath.
Top & tailing
It is not essential to bath your baby daily. On days when your baby has not had a bath it is important to top and tail your baby.
The most important job when bathing or top & tailing your baby is to make sure you have everything you need ready beforehand. You will need:
• A bowl of luke warm, cooled boiled water
• Cotton wool
• A towel
• A clean nappy
• Nappy cream
• fresh clothes
Undress your baby down to its nappy.
Clean his eyes, wiping from the inner corner outwards. Use a fresh piece of cotton wool for each eye, in case he has an infection which could be transferred from one eye to the other.
Next clean around his nose, the skin creases around his neck and under his chin. Then clean the contours of his ears, without poking the cotton wool into the actual earhole, then his face, using a fresh piece of cotton wool for each area.
Clean his hands, under his arms and around his cord stump or belly button, then remove the baby's nappy.
Changing cotton wool frequently, clean his nappy area. Wipe your little girl's nappy area from front to back, to avoid transferring any germs to her genitals.
Pat your baby dry, paying special attention to the area around the cord stump, then put on a clean nappy and clothes.
Bath Bathing Accessories
Safety tap covers inflate and fit over taps, protecting against bumped heads and preventing curious babies and toddlers from playing with the hot water tap.
Bath mats prevent slipping in the bath. You can now buy extra long bath mats, which are ideal for bathing more than one child at once. Also Some bath mats come with seats built into them for one or two children.
Bath toy bags/nets attach to bathroom tiles and keep all your baby's toys safely in one place.
Baby bath towels often have hoods that are handy to keep your baby's head warm when he comes out of the bath but you can use a soft adult's towels instead.
Bath toys: there are all sorts! You can buy everything from simple pouring toys to water slides and even a bath mobile.
Toiletries: Newborn babies don't need to be bathed in anything other then plain water, but you may like to use some mild baby bath or baby liquid soap in the water. If your baby has a large amount of hair, choose a mild baby shampoo that will not aggravate your baby's eyes. If your baby's skin seems a little dry, you can apply some mild baby lotion or baby oil after the bath. If your child has eczema, use a bath oil and emollient advised by your doctor instead.
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