Newborns are very fragile and many new parents have doubts on their ability to bath their newborns. To do it right, read the guidelines below to ensure a safe and pleasant bath for your baby.
#1: Choosing the right bath
Parents will have their preferences on the type of baby bath to use. For all my children, I use the same baby bath placed on a waist high table. This way, I do not need to squat down and all the things I wanted were easily placed within reach on the same table.
#2: Ensure the room is warm and comfortable
Close the windows if necessary to ensure your baby is not exposed to the cold air.
#3: Prepare all the necessary bathing items beforehand
Get the things ready within reach before you start bathing the baby like towels, cotton wool balls, baby soap and shampoo, nappy cream and clean nappy and clothes. Prepare the bath and make sure the water is warm and not hot. The water should be no higher than 12 cm and should just reach the babies shoulder in the bath while being supported by you.
#4: Always support the neck and bottom
One hand shall be supporting the baby’s head and neck and the other supporting the bottom. Once you have placed the baby in the bath, one hand should continue to support his head, neck and shoulder. The free hand shall be used to wash him.
#5: Washing the right way
The correct way is to go from top to bottom and from front to back. You can use cotton wool or a small towel to clean his face and head.
#6: Drying off
Have a towel ready nearby to wrap your baby and to dry him off. Ensure that the creases and folds of your baby’s skin are patted dry.
After several rounds of the above, you will find that bathing your baby gets easier each time. For the first week or two, it is fine to just ‘top and tail’ your baby, i.e. cleaning the face, head and bottom part only. Choose the correct time to have the bath when the baby is not tired, hungry or right after a big feed. Never leave your baby alone and unattended in the bath due to the high risk of drowning.