helpful tips, good advice and a few essential items to help you bathe your baby
Bathing a newborn can be tricky at first, for you and your little one. But it doesn't take long to get used to it, and to turn bath time into a safe, enjoyable time for both of you.
What you may need
- Baby bath (or big bath with anti-slip bath mat)
- 'Top and tail' bowl, useful for washing baby when you do not want to give a bath
- Change mat
- Bath thermometer
- Baby towers x 3
- Baby face cloths x 3 (or baby sponge)
- Cotton wool
- Baby brush and comb
- Baby toothbrush (for first tooth)
Baby nail scissors or clippers- Baby lotion
- Vaseline or Sudocrem
- Baby bath liquid
- Baby shampoo (keep the use of toiletries to a minimum with babies under 6 months old as their skin can be very sensitive)
How to bathe your baby
- Get everything ready before you start - make sure the room is warm. You can use a baby bath, a Tummy Tub (specially designed baby bath) or the normal big bath with a non-slip bath mat. If you choose the latter, a baby bath support might also be useful, as it takes the strain off your back and supports your baby - but never leave your baby alone, even for a few seconds.
- Do not fill the bath with too much water as you only need enough to cover your baby's tummy, arms and legs, we recommend about 3 to 4 inches of water.
- Fill the bath with cold water first then add the warm (do the elbow test or use a thermometer to make sure the water is not too hot). Babies prefer water slight cooler than we are used to.
- Undress your baby, and swaddle in a warm tower, keeping the nappy on.
- Before you place your baby in the bath you will need to wash his or her face and bottom area. Wash your baby's eyes with separate pieces of cotton wool dipped in recently cooled boiled water. Then use a new piece of cotton wool to wash the rest of your baby's face. Take the nappy off and wash bottom area with water and cottom wool. With girls - wipe down from front to back to avoid passing on infection.
- Gently place baby in the bath, well supported (babies like to be held securely) and wash baby's body all over with baby sponge or face cloth.
- Take baby out and wrap in a warm tower.
- Make sure you dry well all over - especially leg, neck & arm creases
- Never, ever leave your baby or young child alone in a bath.
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