How to bathe a baby

Author: Florence Bailey
Date Of Creation: 26 March 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
Anonim
How To Bathe Your Baby: Tips for Bathing Your Newborn
Video: How To Bathe Your Baby: Tips for Bathing Your Newborn

Content

A baby's first bath can be a little intimidating. It is very important that the baby, especially in the first few months, feels comfortable and safe, which does not seem so easy to ensure while bathing. But, having everything you need at hand and gaining a little experience, you can turn bathing into a fun, playful pastime and use it as a great opportunity for close contact with your child. Read this article to learn how to prepare for bathing, keep your baby safe during the procedure, and keep your baby comfortable afterwards.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Prepare to Swim

  1. 1 Prepare everything in advance. When the baby is already in the bath, you cannot leave him alone for a moment, so it is important that you have everything you need close at hand before you start bathing.
    • Gather everything you need, including a tub, a water mug, mild baby soap, two wipes, and cotton balls to clean your baby's eyes and ears.
    • If you wish, you can bring along some toys for the bathroom.
    • Get everything you need after bathing, including a towel, hairbrush, lotion or oil, a diaper, diaper cream, and a set of clean clothes.
    • If navel treatment is necessary, prepare brilliant green and a cotton swab.
  2. 2 Wear appropriate clothing. It should be something that you are not afraid to get wet. Roll up your sleeves and remove all jewelry: watches, rings, bracelets. Make sure that there are no locks or fasteners on the clothes that could scratch the baby's skin. Many people prefer to be in a terry robe while bathing.
  3. 3 Install a bathtub. Most baby baths are designed to support the baby's head and neck. A children's slide can be lowered into the bathtub, which, as a rule, is equipped with a cloth and raised so that the baby does not completely submerge in the water. Place the sliding tray in the tub or on the bathroom floor, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
    • If you have neither a bath nor a slide, use a clean washbasin in the kitchen. Make sure the mixer does not touch the baby's head.
    • Do not use a large bathtub for bathing a baby. Baths are too deep and difficult to keep your child safe, unless you have received special training.
    • If the bottom of the tub is not equipped with a special anti-slip protector, cover it with a cloth or a plug-in protector.
  4. 4 Fill the tub with water a few inches. Turn on the water and check the temperature. It can be checked with a hand, elbow, or a special baby thermometer. The water should be at a comfortable warm temperature, not too hot or too cold.
    • If the baby's umbilical cord has not yet healed, sprinkle it with water from a bowl and do not use a sponge.
    • Always check the temperature of the water before placing your baby in it.
    • When in doubt, use cooler water better; Your hands are rougher than your baby's sensitive skin, so they will feel more warmth than you.
    • Do not fill the tub with water more than 7-10 centimeters. Babies should not be completely submerged in water. As the child grows, water can be added, but it should always be less than required for full immersion.

Part 2 of 3: Bathe the baby

  1. 1 First immerse the baby's feet in the tub. Supporting your back, neck and head with one hand, gently lower it into the water. While bathing, continue to support the baby with one hand and wash him with the other.
    • Children can wriggle in the water and they become slippery, so be especially careful when wetting a child.
  2. 2 Start bathing your baby. Wet it by pouring water from a bowl. Use a soft washcloth to wash his face, body, arms and legs.
    • Use cotton balls to wipe your eyes and ears.
    • If desired, you can use baby soap, but this is not necessary; it is enough to lightly rub the child and rinse with water. Do not forget about all the wrinkles, as well as the places behind the ears and on the neck, where, as a rule, moisture accumulates.
    • Lather baby soap on a napkin to rinse your baby's arms and legs.
    • Wash your baby's genitals last, with baby soap if desired. If you have a circumcised boy, gently wipe him down with a damp cloth. Wash the girls from front to back to prevent infection.
  3. 3 Wash your hair. If you need to wash your baby's hair, tilt the baby back and massage gently into the water-soaked hair. Pour clean water from a bowl over your head. You can, if you wish, use a baby shampoo, but, in reality, there is no such need. Babies are born with a natural oil to cleanse their hair, and shampoos at this age can only upset the balance.
    • If you are using baby shampoo, cover your baby's eyes with your hand to prevent shampoo foam from entering.
    • Before rinsing off the shampoo under running water, make sure the water temperature is neither too hot nor too cold.
  4. 4 Lift the baby out of the tub. Support your head, neck, and back with one hand and your butt and hips with the other. Wrap your baby in a towel, gently covering his head.

Part 3 of 3: After bathing

  1. 1 Dry the baby. Blot your body first, then make sure it is dry behind the ears and in all folds so that there is no excess moisture. Try to dry your hair as much as possible.
    • Remember that clean baby hair dries very quickly. Do not use a hair dryer, it is unnecessary and unsafe.
  2. 2 Apply rubbing if necessary. Apply a small amount of cream underneath your diaper to prevent rashes, or a post-circumcision care product if recommended by your doctor.
    • You can use creams, baby milk or butter if you feel like it, but you don't need it.
    • If the child's navel has not yet healed, apply brilliant green with a cotton swab.
  3. 3 Put diapers and clothing on your baby. If you are planning to put your little one to bed, choose clothes that are sized and preferably with buttons over buttons. You can also swaddle your baby.

Tips

  • Bathing before bed can help ease the styling process.
  • Make sure the bathing area is warm enough.
  • Be careful when choosing products for your child. While there are many "baby remedies" available, many of them can be too irritating for a baby's sensitive skin and even cause a rash. Use only natural and soft products. This means you should read the packaging. If you do not understand what composition is used, do not use it for your baby.
  • It's enough for babies to bathe three to four times a week, but if you want to, you can turn bathing into a wonderful daily ritual.
  • To heighten the pleasure, preheat a towel on the radiator.
  • Babies whose umbilical cord has not yet fallen off should be bathed with a soft sponge until it falls off.
  • Bathing time is not only of practical importance - it is a great opportunity for intimate contact and play. Relax, take some time to swim and enjoy the process together. It's great to sing with your child. The kid will enjoy the pleasant sensation of the water, your attention, splashing and even more.
  • Try olive oil soap, usually available at natural food stores. This soap is perfect for parents as well - it is very pleasant for the skin, has an organic composition and is useful for all types of home use.

Warnings

  • Never leave your baby unattended in any amount of water.
  • Never use an adult soap; it dries the skin too much.

What do you need

  • Bathtub, slide
  • Several clean towels
  • Hooded towel (optional)
  • Clean wipes
  • Clean diaper
  • Clean set of baby clothes
  • Bowl (optional)
  • Comfortable warm water
  • Mild baby shampoo (optional, see tips and warnings)
  • A bathrobe or clothing you can get wet