How to Bathe an Infant
For new parents, bathing an infant is an exciting first. Some babies love bathtime, while others cry during routine cleaning. Bathing an infant can be a wonderful bonding experience, as long as parents keep a few safety tips in mind.
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Instructions
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1
Fill a bathtub with a few inches of lukewarm or tepid water.
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2
Undress your baby and place him in the bath while supporting his head with one hand. Use your other hand to wet a washcloth.
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3
Squeeze excess water out of the washcloth and wipe your baby's face gently with the washcloth.
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4
Squeeze soap onto the washcloth and work up a lather. Start at your baby's neck and gently rub her body with the washcloth until her whole body is soapy.
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5
Rinse your baby well with water.
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If shampooing the baby's hair, perform this step last. Squeeze a small amount of mild shampoo onto your baby's hair and gently work up a lather. Rinse well with water.
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Lift your baby from the bathtub and immediately wrap him in a towel, gently rubbing him dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Gather everything you need for your baby's bath before placing your baby in the tub.
Place everything within arm's reach, including soap and towels.
Babies are slippery when wet, so find a comfortable way to hold your baby that feels secure.
Start cleaning at your baby's head and work your way down.
Infants don't need daily baths, especially if they suffer from dry skin.
Never leave a baby unattended in the bath, not even for a moment. Children can drown in only inches of water.
Babies should not be given a first bath until after their umbilical cord stumps have fallen off.
