How to Give a Baby a Bath

Learn how to give your baby a quick, easy, and safe bath!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your Baby
• A Sink or a Baby Bath Tub
• Washcloth
• Towel
• Baby Body Wash
• Baby Shampoo

1. The first step in giving your baby a bath is to choose a location with plenty of room that is warm and spacious. I prefer my kitchen because of the access to the sink, it's spray hose, and the large countertop. Have a washcloth, towel, and baby bath and shampoo ready beforehand. Also, if you do not have a sink sprayer, a cup for rinsing is recommended. If you are going to let your baby sit in water (this is only recommended for babies that have lost their umbilical stump and are old enough to hold up their heads), have the water temperature ready (about 98 degrees is perfect).

2. Undress your baby and put him or her into the tub or sink. Make this fun by playing with toys and showing your baby that bath time can be fun! Remember to bathe your baby from the cleanest to the dirtiest parts. Wash his or her face with plain water, wiping the eyes first. Then wash the head with baby shampoo, taking care to massage the scalp gently. Rinse the baby's head immediately.

3. Next, wash your baby's body with baby body wash using the washcloth or your hand. Be sure to get into the creases, especially around the neck area where milk can be hidden. Make sure to wash baby's hands as well. Lean baby forward to wash the baby's back. Get his or her legs and feet washed as well.

4. Wash baby's bottom last, as this is normally the dirtiest area! Be sure to use mild baby soap on this area as well. Let the soapy water out of the tub or sink if you have let the baby sit in water. Carefully rinse the baby with warm water using a spray hose (make sure you spray into the sink instead of on the baby first to test the temperature) or a cup. Be sure to get all the creases rinsed well, since soap likes to collect in this area.

5. Finally, carefully wrap baby in a towel and dry the baby off, head to toe. Apply desired baby lotions and creams, dress, and presto! You now have a clean baby!

Tips & Warnings

• Have everything you need beforehand.
• Having a spray hose is convenient and makes rinsing a breeze.
• Using a tub with a built in thermometer is very helpful in determining water temperature.
• Never leave a baby unattented, for any reason.
• Check the temperature of the water before letting the water touch the baby.
• Never put a baby into water that still has the umbilical stump attached or a baby that cannot hold it's own head up.
• Never use any soap that isn't recommended for babies or recommended from the baby's doctor.

[bpreardon]

on 8/7/2009 Don't forget the creases!!! Very well written!