Babies under two to three weeks old should only have sponge baths. You can give a tub bath once the umbilical cord has fallen off and the stump has healed. It’s okay to bathe your baby only two or three times a week. Bathing your baby too often can cause dry skin problems.
There are stand-alone plastic tubs that are designed for babies. These tubs may have a textured bottom that will grip most surfaces to hold the tub in place. Other baby baths may use a kind of sling or hammock that holds the baby over the tub while you bathe them. You can purchase a plastic basin or inflatable tub to use inside a larger bathtub.
Don’t place the tub near any edges or areas where it could fall from. Make sure the surface under the tub is safe and won’t allow the tub to shift during the bath. Place the tub in a place that lets you have full control over your baby during bath-time.
Baby soap or shampoo if you are going to use it. Your bath tub or prepared bathing space. A washcloth. A cup to rinse your baby with. Towels to dry the baby off with after the bath. Clean clothes and diaper to change into.
Do not use hot water. Bath water should be warm. Mix the water to eliminate any cold or hot areas. You should test the water with your wrist or the inside of your elbow. A thermometer should read 37c/98. 6f or 38c/100. 4f. Make sure the room temperature is comfortable and not too cool also.
For newborns and very young babies, fill the bath with only 2” or 5cm of water. Older babies and children can have the bath filled up to their waist level when seated. Never leave your baby in the bath with the water running. Never leave your baby in the bath alone.
Place one hand under the baby’s bottom. Place your other hand under the baby’s head, supporting both the head and neck. Don’t put your baby in the water too quickly as this might alarm them.
Keep one hand under the baby’s head or neck at all times. Use your free hand to wash your baby.
Start by washing the baby’s head or face. You won’t always need to wash their hair. Gently pour water over the baby’s body during the bath to keep them warm. Gently move down the rest of the body. Try to clean in between any skin folds. Wash your baby carefully and gently. Try cupping your hand to keep any rinse-water from entering the baby’s eyes. Wash your baby’s diaper area last.
Pick them up with both hands, placing one under their bottom and the other under their head. Wrap them in a towel to keep them warm. Thoroughly dry them off before dressing them again. Make sure you dry off the areas between any skin folds.
You can use soap and water to clean the baby bath. Avoid using any harsh cleaning chemicals as these may come in contact with your baby if left on the bath.
