Bathing Your Baby

By Sara Duskin, Parent Educator

WHAT DO I NEED?
• Two washcloths
• Two hooded towels
• One Adult Size Towel
• Mustela 2 in 1
• Bathtub that is secure and at a height that is comfortable for parents
• Changing pad and cover
• Cotton swabs
• Barrier cream
• Nail scissors
• Massage oil/lotion
• Diaper bucket with foot pedal
• Change of clothes
• Undershirt night clothes
• Diapers
• Receiving blanket
• Waterproof Apron for Parent

WHEN SHOULD I BATHE MY BABY?
• Be certain baby is not hungry but do not bathe immediately after a feeding.
• Give first tub bath after cord falls off and circumcision heals. Until that time do a sponge bath.
• Bathe baby every few days for cleanliness or daily as part of a soothing bedtime routine.


WHERE SHOULD I BATHE OUR BABY?
• Warm room
• Eliminate drafts
• In a good light
• Comfortable height for parent
• Calm area
• Room to maneuver
• Set phone on answering machine
• Place tub where you can add warm water, away from hot tap


HOW DO BATHE OUR BABY?
• Fill bath with warm water, warm enough that you inner arm is comfortable
• Keep bowl of hot water nearby to add as temperature goes down fast
• Swaddle baby
• Shampoo head
• Leave diaper on and clean upper body
• Wash face, eyes, ears, under chin
• Remove diaper and introduce baby to tub bath
• Remove from bath and wrap in warm, dry hooded towel
• Explore and massage baby
• Dry baby and replace diaper
• Dress baby in fresh, clean clothes
• Feed, soothe
• If you have a fussy baby, undress and wrap in receiving blanket. Put baby in the tub receiving blanket and all and then slowly unwrap baby.