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How to Tub Bath Babies?
A baby's skin is soft and delicate. We can maintain the health and texture of the baby's skin with proper skin care and bathing.
Most babies do not need a bath every day. With all the diaper changes and wiping of nose and mouth after feedings, most babies need to be bathed two or three times a week or every alternate day. Baths can be given any time of day. Bathing before a feeding or bedtime often works well.
When your baby is very small, Sponge baths are required at first. Bathing in a tub of water should wait until the baby's umbilical cord falls off, and in case of a baby boy, his circumcision should heal, to prevent infection.
Equipment for bathing newborns:
- thick towel or a sponge-type bath cushion
- soft washcloths
- basin or clean sink
- cotton balls
- baby shampoo and baby soap
- hooded baby towel
How to give sponge bath:
- Make sure the room is warm, about 75 degrees F. .
- Gather all material you will need in advance. .
- Add warm water to a basin or clean sink. .
- Place baby on a bath cushion or thick towel. .
- Keep the baby covered with a towel. .
- Never ever take your hands off the baby, even for a moment. If you have forgotten something, wrap up the baby in a towel and take him/her with you. .
- Start with the baby's face - use a moistened, clean cotton ball to wipe each eye, starting at the bridge of the nose and then wipe out to the corner of the eye. .
- Wash the rest of the baby's face with a soft, moist washcloth without soap. .
- Add a small amount of baby soap to the water or washcloth and gently bathe the rest of the baby from the neck down. Uncover only one area at a time. Wipe with a clean washcloth. Be sure to avoid getting the umbilical cord wet. .
- Wash the baby's head last with a shampoo on a washcloth. Rinse, being careful not to let water run over the baby's eyes or face. .
- Scrubbing is not necessary, but most babies enjoy their arms and legs being massaged with gentle strokes. .
- Wrap the baby in a hooded bath towel. .
- Follow cord care instructions given by the physician. .
- Use a soft baby brush to comb the baby's hair. Do not use a hair dryer.
Expect your baby to cry the first few times you bathe him/her. Usually, this is just because bathing is a new experience.
Giving a tub bath:
Once your baby's umbilical cord has fallen off, and after a boy's circumcision has healed, you can give your baby a tub bath.
Equipment for a tub-bath?
- baby bathtub
- non-slip mat or pad
- Bath thermometer
When bathing your baby in a tub:
- Select an appropriate place to place the tub.
- Fill the tub with warm water, using a bath thermometer.
- You only need to use a couple of inches of water in the tub.
- Use a tub that is the right size for the baby. Most baby tubs come with an insert for babies, to keep your child's head out of the water.
- Follow the same general bathing instructions for a sponge bath.
- Never leave your baby alone in a bath. Not even long enough to answer the phone or turn off the stove.
- Gently cradle your baby's head in one hand and use the other hand to remove his/her clothing.
- It is a good idea to start with the "less dirty" areas first, i.e. leave the diaper area until last.
- It's a good idea to wash a newborn's hair near the end of bath time.
- Gentle soaps are better for baby's skin during the first year or so.
- Don't use adult shampoo on your baby. Use a no-tears shampoo.
- Make bath time fun. Give some toys to your baby to play in the tub. You can also sing and do some baby-talk with your kid.
- Dress your fresh, clean, and oh-so-cuddly baby.
- Clean the bathtub after each use.