ot only do you have a squirmy baby – now you’re going to have a squirmy, slippery baby? Yes, it’s time to put baby in the bathwater.
During the first few weeks home from the hospital, you'll want to just give your baby a sponge bath using warm water and a cloth. The umbilical stump will still be attached to your little one's naval and you want to keep it dry until it falls off. (Additionally, if your son has been circumcised, you'll want to treat the area with care while it is healing.)
Bathing your newborn in an infant tub – or infant bath seat that fits in a sink or your tub – may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, bath time could become a favorite family activity.
Here’s how:
Make sure the room is warm and cozy, around 75 degrees.
Gather your supplies and have them in arm’s reach:
- Washcloth
- Gentle baby shampoo
- Body wash
- Cup for rinsing
- Towel
Fill an infant tub (so it comes up to baby's chest) with soothing warm water. You don't want your little one to catch a chill.
Gently place baby in the water (and never leave unattended).
Wash face and body parts first – and make sure you get in all those folds! – moving on to the genital area. Wash the hair last so baby doesn’t get cold.
Wrap your clean infant in a towel and be sure to dry under the chin, behind the ears, and the armpits to keep rashes at bay.
Although many parents now opt for creams and ointments instead of powder, you might be nostalgic for that sweet baby powder scent from your childhood. Ironically, most "baby" powders contain talc, which can be dangerous to infants if inhaled. Try cornstarch or a talc-fee product specially formulated for babies.
How often should I bathe my baby?
Three times a week is sufficient for newborns. Once they start crawling and eating solid foods, you’ll probably want to increase the frequency of baths.
