How to Prepare a Newborn Bath

Always make sure baby is in a safe place before preparing her bath.

Bath time can be one of the most enjoyable times for parent and baby, but it is important to follow certain safety precautions when getting the bath ready. The water heater in your home should always be set at 120 degrees or lower in order to avoid any chance of scalding. As you begin to prepare, make sure your baby is somewhere safe. Remove jewelry and wash your hands before you begin.

Things You'll Need

• Baby tub
• Baby soap or cleanser
• Washcloth
• Towel, hooded or regular
• Small container of water
• Cotton balls
• Baby lotion

Instructions

1. Decide where you will be bathing the baby. Make sure the room is warm and safe. Place the tub on a table or counter, ensuring the area you place the tub is stable and at a height where you can hold the baby comfortably.

2. Gather all the supplies you need for the baby's bath and have them set up near the tub. Never walk out of the room without the baby to grab any supply you might have forgotten. Lay open the towel you will be wrapping her up in after you're done bathing her.

3. Add about two to three inches of warm water to the tub. Try to avoid adding any water to the tub once the baby is in it. Always check the water with your elbow or wrist to make sure the temperature is not too hot. The ideal temperature for baby is between 85 and 90 degrees. Avoid undressing the baby until ready to put her in the tub in order to avoid her catching a chill.

Tips & Warnings

• Babies can drown in less than an inch of water so never leave your newborn, or any child, unattended in the bath. If you have to leave the bath area, wrap your baby in a towel and take her with you.

References

• Raising Children Network: How to prepare a bath
• Mayo Clinic: Baby Bath Basics: A Parent's Guide