by Melissa Wilson, Kids Managing Editor

How to rub-a-dub-dub your bundle of joy

Bathing your infant can be one of the best bonding experiences. It's precious time spent together and is a great way to soothe baby before bedtime.

Before you even begin the bath, make sure that the room is nice and warm and that all windows are closed. Your baby may be rather tentative when you first try putting him or her in the tub. Be sure to offer plenty of support both with your hands and a soft, soothing voice. The water should be comfortable to the touch. Some portable tubs even include built-in temperature monitors. Also be sure that all the bathing accessories you'll need are within arm's reach.

Baby should only be immersed in water once the umbilical cord has fallen off (usually within 10 days of birth). Prior to that, sponge baths are sufficient. You can continue sponge bathing your child for up to nearly a month's time before immersion bathing will be necessary. Before bathing your infant, decide on the best location for your infant bathtub. You can choose the kitchen sink, inside your full-size tub, or place it on any secure flat and stable surface.

Bubble Bath

Never run the bath water while the baby is in the tub: a sudden change in the water temperature could cause either a scalding or a chilling shock.

During the bath, you will be holding and supporting your infant, so it is important to choose an area that is comfortable and secure.

Tub Bathing 101 in 10 Easy Steps

STEP 1

Fill your infant tub with about 2 inches of water. Water temperature should be between 90 and 100° F. Check water with your elbow (remember baby's sensitive skin). If you have any doubts, purchasing a bath thermometer may be necessary.

STEP 2

Undress your infant, remove the diaper, and clean any soiled areas just as you would during a normal diaper changing.

STEP 3

Check the water temperature once more. Now, cradle your baby with one arm, supporting the head and neck. With the other hand, grasp the baby's thigh and slowly lower him into the water. Slowly glide the baby in feet first, keeping a firm grasp.

STEP 4

Just as you did when sponge bathing your infant, clean baby's eyes, ears, nose, and face gently with cotton balls.

STEP 5

Wash baby's hair by dampening or wetting his head with a cloth or your hands. Apply a small bit of baby shampoo. Rinse thoroughly, then pat dry. Baby can either lie in a semireclining position or remain seated in an upright position.

STEP 6

Clean baby's body with a slightly soapy washcloth. Do the front of the body first, taking care to wash inside all skin folds. If washing a baby girl, wash her genitals with a nonsoapy cloth from front to back. If washing an uncircumcised boy, do not attempt to pull back the foreskin. This will remain adhered for several years. Ask your pediatrician when it is safe to do so.

STEP 7

Put baby in a sitting position, supporting him with your arm underneath his. Grasp his far arm from the front and let him lean forward on your arm. This will support the head and neck. Wash baby's back and buttocks.

STEP 8

Use the same hold to remove baby from the tub as you did to introduce him into it. Wrap in a hooded towel and pat dry. Be sure to dry all areas, especially in creases of skin.

STEP 9

You're done! Gently place baby on a towel on a flat surface and pat--do not rub--it until dry completely.

STEP 10

If you want to use lotion, rub it gently into the baby's skin. Always choose quality baby lotion that does not have perfume or dyes.

NOTE: If your baby have skin that is very dry and splits, especially around the ankles and hands, you can put olive oil, Vaseline, or A-D ointment on those areas.
Breasts that are too full make it difficult for your baby to latch on properly. Removing some of the milk may help your baby to latch on more comfortably.

More about expressed breast milk

Did You Know?

BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING

Mothers enjoy added benefit of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. During the breast feeding you will be calm and more relax. Your brain will produce chemicals that will calm you, give you a feeling of well-being and promote maternal behavior.
Your baby's sucking stimulates nerve endings in the areolae, which send messages to hypothalamus and pituitary gland (in your brain), causing them to start releasing two breast feeding hormones; oxytocin and prolactin, that will begin to calm and relax you.

 

breastfeeding

While breastfeeding may not seem the right choice for every parent, it is the best choice for every baby. ~ Amy Spangler

 

"The natural power of breastfeeding is one of the greatest wonders of the world. It is about real love. It is about caring and celebrating the wondrous joy of nurturing a new life. It is about enjoying being a woman." ~ Anwar Fazal

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