Infant and Baby Needs

People get very nervous when it comes to bathing a new baby. As a foster mother caring for the tiniest of children I get to bathe a new one every so often. It’s not an easy process holding that precious new life and cleaning them up a bit but it’s a lovely bonding one.

Your baby does not need to be bathed every day. First understand that. They do little but eat, sleep, and go potty. The only things is to give their bottom an extra cleaning (of soap and water) once a day besides the regular diaper changes but other than that they surely aren’t going to be smelling as if they had a round at the gym if you go two or three days between baths.

Next the important parts to pay attention to on a baby are the folds of the neck where baby milk and drool settle and the bottom where stuff happens. Depending upon the makeup of your child they could have many extra folds other places such as behind the knees so make sure you clean (gently) in there too.

So here are some steps to help you bathe your baby.

Don’t bathe your baby directly after eating. Kind of like don’t go swimming until a while after you have eaten. Let them digest their meals.

• Have their room or where you will be bathing them to be warm and draft free.
• Lay out your tools for bathing
• Baby Bathtub
• washcloth and towel    
• baby soap and baby shampoo (sometimes these are one in the same)
• clean diaper
• cotton swabs
• clean outfit
• A water thermometer so you can check the temperature of the water. You want it between 90 and 100 degree Fahrenheit

 

Sponge Bath

When your baby is newly home from the hospital their navel will be such that you should    sponge bathe them until it heals.  A sponge bath merely means holding your baby in your lap or on a secure surface (also in a warm room) while they are covered completely in a towel and exposing a part at a time while you wash gently with the baby soap and then rinse that part and then cover again.  When you are done clean gently around your baby’s navel with the cotton swabs and some alcohol. You are making sure it is germ free there.  Now dress baby warmly and snuggle.

 

Tub Bath

When the navel area on your baby has healed you can begin bathing your baby in the baby bathtub or the larger tub. It is recommended that you put a towel or some thing in the bottom of the tub to keep baby from slipping about it you use the larger bathtub.

You will need very little water for bathing. Just an inch or so. Remember to have it at a nice body temperature warm level. If you are unsure pick up a very low cost water thermometer. Cradle your baby’s head in the palm of your  hand and support him/her well. While you are lowering your baby into the water whisper reassurances and sweet baby talk to let them know all is well. I can’t promise no crying but it will all be better as you smile and talk. Hold baby’s head and upper back with one hand while washing and rinsing with the other one. Yes soap and water are mixing here but you use so little soap that it is all okay.
Once you are done with the very quick bath lift your baby out and set them on a baby towel with a hood. Wrap them up and take them to the area to dress. Now is a great time to give light massage and check diaper area for rashes and such.

Dress baby warmly and snuggle.