How to Give a Newborn a Bath

Giving a newborn a bath can be scary because the infant is so tiny, especially if you are unsure of how to handle her. A newborn does not need to be bathed daily and a quick sponge bath is usually sufficient in the first few weeks of her life. However, if your baby loves taking a bath, here are some simple steps to give your newborn a bath without any fear.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Gather all bath supplies such as baby cleanser, a washcloth and a towel.

2. Set aside a soft clean towel, diaper and clothing for baby to change into.

3. Fill a basin or the bathroom sink with enough warm water to cover the baby up to her shoulders while lying down. Check the temperature to make sure it's not too hot for the baby. A good temperature would be around 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit

4. Undress your newborn. Put his feet carefully in the water first, while supporting his head and neck with the other hand.

5. Wet the washcloth and put some baby cleanser on it. Gently clean the baby, starting from the top to the bottom. Be sure to clean out between her creases. Pour a cupful of water over your baby's body as you are cleaning her to keep her warm.

6. Use a cotton ball that is moistened with warm water to wipe the baby's eyes and face gently. If there is dried mucus collected at the baby's eyes or nostrils, dab it with a wet cotton ball a few times to soften it before wiping it off. Clean the genital area thoroughly.

7. Lift your newborn carefully out of the basin or sink after the bath. Hold his neck and head firmly with one hand and his bottom with the other hand. Be careful, as the baby can be very slippery when wet.

8. Wrap baby with a hooded towel quickly, covering her head with the hood and wrapping her body with the rest of the towel.

9. Dry him thoroughly in a warm room and apply a baby moisturizer if his skin is dry.

10. Put on her clothing.

11. Carry your little precious newborn, hug and kiss him.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave baby unattended when giving her a bath. If you must answer a phone call, carry the baby with you and wrap her up in a warm towel.

[CCrock]

on 12/22/2007 I love my organic baby towel with a hood on it. It was a gift from Pottery Barn. Hooded baby bath towels are a must! When my baby was a newborn, I liked to run the shower to get the bathroom warm before her bath, then she wouldn't get so cold when taking her in and out of the bath. Keep the door shut to keep the warmth in the room. I would dry her off and get her dressed while still in the warm bathroom.