Bathing a baby for the first time.

Bathing a baby may be a bit intimidating at first, but you’ll soon find out how simple it can be. Remember that young babies do not need a bath every day. They are not crawling all over getting dirty yet, and rarely are they in a situation where they sweat a lot.

Too many baths will tend to dehydrate their tender skin. When you do bathe your baby, be sure and use a natural moisturizer to restore moisture to their delicate skin. Something containing shea butter or lanolin works great, as does olive oil.

There are several ways to bathe a baby. You can do a sponge bath, bathe baby in one of those little baby tubs, or take baby into the bath with you as long as baby remains secure in your arms.

At first, you’ll want to do sponge baths while baby’s umbilical cord is drying. A sponge bath is easy to do. No matter how you are bathing the baby, make sure the room you are doing it in is warm and free of drafts. Undress baby, and wrap him in a soft warm towel. Some babies hate to be undressed, so keeping baby covered with the exception of the area you are washing can help them feel more secure.

Using a soft cloth with warm water (make sure the water is not too hot) and maybe a tiny amount of a natural gentle baby soap, wash each part, rinsing right after. As you move on to the next spot, cover up the area you just finished. Continue in this way until baby is all clean. Sponge baths can be done at any time… if baby doesn’t like being dipped in water, a sponge bath can be done instead.

If you use one of the baby tubs that are available in most stores selling baby supplies, you’ll need the molded sponge pad to rest baby on. Keep the water level shallow and of the right temperature. Around 100º F is just about right. Again using a soft wet cloth and a gentle baby soap, clean your baby quickly, rinsing afterwards.

Pay special attention to the folds in the genital area… those folds can hold all sorts of dry skin, residue from diaper contents, etc. All areas that contain skin folds need to be checked and washed. Wash baby’s head with a soft baby brush to discourage the development of cradle cap. Dry baby off thoroughly… double check all those cute baby folds… so he doesn’t get chilled.

If you choose to bring baby to your bath, make sure you check the temperature. What feels cool to you may still be hot for baby. Check the temperature before putting baby into the water. Holding baby in the crook of your arm, use your free hand to wash baby.

The big benefit of bathing with baby is if he gets upset, he can be soothed by nursing him while you continue his bath. Make sure someone is available to hand baby to when you are done bathing him. They can dry baby off completely and start dressing him.

After bathing a baby always make sure baby is completely dry. In cold weather, you’ll want to dress them quickly so they don’t get chilled.

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