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Bathing your baby gets your baby clean from head to toe. It is also a good time for you to bond with your baby. Bath time allows you to check your babys body and note any skin changes. During the first year of life, your baby does not need a bath every day. ‚
Give your baby a sponge bath until: ‚
- The umbilical cord falls off and the area heals
- The circumcision site is healed
Your baby may need only 3 to 4 baths in a week. ‚
General
When you bathe your baby, it may be a little scary. Stay calm and keep a firm hold of your baby. You may want someone to help you with the first bath. ‚
Before you begin, make sure you have all the items that you will need: ‚
- Changing pad
- Basin of lukewarm water
- Washcloth
- Cotton balls
- Mild baby soap and shampoo
- Clean towels
- Clean clothes and diaper
- Mild baby lotion if needed
- Comb and soft baby brush
Getting Ready to Bathe Your Baby ‚
- Make sure that the room is warm and all the items you need are within reach.
- Put 2 to 3 inches of warm water in a clean bowl or basin. Make sure the water is warm (90 ‚ °F to 120 ‚ °F) and not hot. Check the temperature of the water on your wrist.
- Undress and cover your baby with a clean towel.
Bathing Your Baby ‚
- For a sponge bath, cover your baby with a clean towel to keep him warm.
- Only uncover the part of your babys body that you are washing.
- Start with your baby's face. Use a cotton ball to clean the eyes. Gently wipe the eye from the inside to the outside.
- Now, wash the rest of the face with water only. Do not use soap when washing the face.
- Wash your baby's face before you put him in the basin. Make sure you hold and support the head, neck, and back all the time. Never leave the baby to get something you have forgotten.
- Gently wash your baby's body with a washcloth. Soap is not needed the first few weeks of life.
- Begin wiping the neck and chest area.
- Then, clean the arms, legs, and back. Make sure to clean all the skin folds.
- Wash the genitals with extra care. For your baby girl, wash from front to back with water to prevent infection. For your baby boy, if uncircumcised do not pull out his foreskin. Gently wash the area. If circumcised, your baby's doctor will give you instructions to care for your baby's penis.
- Rinse your baby's body with warm water.
Washing Your Baby's Hair ‚
- Wash the hair with warm water. Cover with a clean towel and hold your baby in a football hold. To do this, hold the head in the palm of your hand and rest your baby's body on your arm.
- Using this hold, put your baby's head over the basin of warm water.
- Use your other hand to pour warm water over the head. Put a small amount of shampoo on your baby's hair and gently massage the scalp.
- Rinse with water until soap is removed. Do not rinse your baby's head under running water.
- Pat dry with a clean towel.
Drying Your Baby After a Bath ‚
- Cover and wrap your baby with a clean towel. Gently pat your baby dry. Be sure to dry the creases in the skin.
- Some babies do not often need lotion.
- Dress your baby in a clean diaper and clean clothing.
Will there be any other care needed?
- Do not leave your baby alone at any time.
- Do not put your baby in a tub while the water is running. The temperature may change at any time.
What problems could happen?
- Hot water can burn your babys skin.
- Your baby is slippery when wet and can fall out of your arms. Make sure you have a firm hold on your baby.
- Never leave your baby alone in a bath. Your baby may drown even in a small amount of water.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Baby swallows a lot of water. ‚
Helpful tips
- Keep bath time a soothing and relaxing time. Sing or play a soothing song.
- Do not rush bath time. Give your baby time to splash in the water.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Bathing-Your-Newborn.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚