How to give baby a calm, relaxed first bath

That first bath can be a scary enterprise for new parents! These steps will help you keep your baby warm, comfy, and happy during his first bath.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• baby bath tub
• handtowel
• large cup
• bottle, if used
• baby towel

1. Baby needs to be cradled in something soft. If you don't have a baby tub with a soft insert, use towels to pad the bottom of the tub or sink. Keep baby's head higher than the rest of his/her body. Water should be warm (of course, be safe about how hot the water is; warmer than room temperature, cooler than what most adults prefer for their own baths).
2. If possible, dim the lights. Heat the room if it is chilly. If you are in the bathroom, shut the door and run the shower on hot to warm up the room. Prepare a bottle for the baby (if you are using bottles) or keep a pacifier handy.
3. Put the baby in, feet first to let them feel the water before laying them down in it. Go slow and keep your body close to them, hovering over them in the tub until seem to relax. Water level should be high enough to have about an inch of water touching the baby's body (the back and butt should be in the water, but it shouldn't lap up over the belly). Lay a warm, damp hand towel across the baby's body to keep him/her warm. Use cup to wet the towel frequently. Give baby the bottle or pacifier.
4. Using a baby washcloth and baby soap, clean one part at a time. Use very little soap. Expose as little skin at once as possible. Lift one section of the damp towel, wash, then replace the towel. Save the baby's head for last so they don't have a wet head hanging out there. Keep pouring, slowly, warm water over the hand towel to keep it wet and warm.
5. have baby's towel ready and wrap them up as soon as they are out of the water. Don't worry about rubbing them dry yet, just hold them in the towel for a minute. Make it a smooth transition.

Tips & Warnings

• don't use water on baby's face. Wet a baby washcloth, wring it out well, and gently wipe baby's face.
• enlist help. two people are needed to make this work smoothly, one to wash, and one to sooth baby and hold baby's bottle.
• put baby's towel in the dryer on low for a few minutes before starting and fold it up to keep it snuggly and warm for baby when you lift him/her out of bath.
• Abort mission if baby gets upset; the first several baths should be as calm as possible.