Most new parents are very nervous once they get their new baby home. It can be a little intimidating taking care of a newborn and everyone wants to be careful to ensure they don't make any mistakes. It seems that one of the hardest things for new parent to do is give baby a bath. Some even find it to be downright terrifying but it doesn't have to be.
The truth is bathing a newborn is not as complicated as it might seem once you know a few basic rules. Here are a few tips on how to give your newborn a bath that will help to make this time pleasant and fun instead of something you dread.
It's important to realize that you don't have to go out and spend a lot of money on baby baths and special items unless you just want to. These things can make the task a little easier because they help support the baby but they're not necessary. You can give your baby a bath in the kitchen sink or the bathtub as long as you're careful.
The two most important things for you to remember include the following: Above all else, never leave your newborn unattended when bathing, not even for a second and make sure the water temperature is lukewarm. If it's too cold it can give your baby a chill and if it's too hot it can burn your newborn.
The water must be lukewarm and the best way to check it is by sticking your elbow into it.
This is the most sensitive part of your body so you'll know if the water is just right.
Be sure and swirl the water around to get an even temperature throughout the whole area to avoid hot and cold spots.
Before you place your newborn in the water get all of your things together. You'll need your washcloth and towel next to the bath. You should also have an area set up with diapers and clean clothes so you can dress baby once the bath is finished.
After adjusting the temperature of the water, undress the newborn and hold him over the bath with his head cupped in your elbow and your arm extended under his body while holding the back of one leg with your hand. If you're right-handed place his head in your left elbow and if you're left-handed place him in your right elbow. This will make it easier to handle your newborn while bathing.
Start by bathing your baby's head. You can dip the wash cloth in the water and squeeze it out a little and use it to gently wipe the face and head area. Do not use shampoo on a newborn. It's not necessary and it can actually irritate their skin.
Now dip his body into the water still cradling him in your arm for support. Use the wash cloth to gently wet the whole body. Do not scrub your newborn and you don't need to use soap. They don't get that dirty and the warm water running over their body is enough to make him feel fresh and clean.
As soon as you have run water over his entire body remove him from the water and wrap him in a soft towel. Be sure his head is thoroughly dried because babies lose heat from the top of their head. Be very careful when handling your wet baby because they can be very slippery.
Bath time should only last for a few minutes and then you're ready to redress your newborn and continue on with your daily routine.
The truth is bathing a newborn is not as complicated as it might seem once you know a few basic rules. Here are a few tips on how to give your newborn a bath that will help to make this time pleasant and fun instead of something you dread.
It's important to realize that you don't have to go out and spend a lot of money on baby baths and special items unless you just want to. These things can make the task a little easier because they help support the baby but they're not necessary. You can give your baby a bath in the kitchen sink or the bathtub as long as you're careful.
The two most important things for you to remember include the following: Above all else, never leave your newborn unattended when bathing, not even for a second and make sure the water temperature is lukewarm. If it's too cold it can give your baby a chill and if it's too hot it can burn your newborn.
The water must be lukewarm and the best way to check it is by sticking your elbow into it.
This is the most sensitive part of your body so you'll know if the water is just right.
Be sure and swirl the water around to get an even temperature throughout the whole area to avoid hot and cold spots.
Before you place your newborn in the water get all of your things together. You'll need your washcloth and towel next to the bath. You should also have an area set up with diapers and clean clothes so you can dress baby once the bath is finished.
After adjusting the temperature of the water, undress the newborn and hold him over the bath with his head cupped in your elbow and your arm extended under his body while holding the back of one leg with your hand. If you're right-handed place his head in your left elbow and if you're left-handed place him in your right elbow. This will make it easier to handle your newborn while bathing.
Start by bathing your baby's head. You can dip the wash cloth in the water and squeeze it out a little and use it to gently wipe the face and head area. Do not use shampoo on a newborn. It's not necessary and it can actually irritate their skin.
Now dip his body into the water still cradling him in your arm for support. Use the wash cloth to gently wet the whole body. Do not scrub your newborn and you don't need to use soap. They don't get that dirty and the warm water running over their body is enough to make him feel fresh and clean.
As soon as you have run water over his entire body remove him from the water and wrap him in a soft towel. Be sure his head is thoroughly dried because babies lose heat from the top of their head. Be very careful when handling your wet baby because they can be very slippery.
Bath time should only last for a few minutes and then you're ready to redress your newborn and continue on with your daily routine.
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