There is nothing as overwhelming as bathing a newborn for the first time but trust me you can do it. It may not be a perfect experience but you will get the job done. That’s all that matters after all, Newborns are NOT dirty. As time goes and baby grows, you will gain more confidence and do a more and more thorough job.
What you’ll need:
This is not an all-inclusive list, but you get the gist of it:
– Bowl of warm water
– Baby soap
– Small bowl (to scoop water)
– Washcloth/Small towel (to wash baby with)
– Bigger towel (to wipe baby after bath)
- First things first – if you cannot do it alone, make sure the other person in the room with you is a calm person (you definitely don’t want an overly anxious person in there). By the way, if your so-called calm person turns out to be a crazy person, send them out.
- Secondly, make sure you have everything you need within arm’s reach before you begin. Also make sure the water temperature in the bath, sink, bowl or bucket (whatever works for you) is optimal. You can check with a bath thermometer although old school works too – stick your elbow in the water to check if it’s too hot or cold. The elbow is more sensitive than the fingertips.
- To begin the actual bath, get into a comfortable position. You may choose to get in the tub with baby, sit at the edge of the bathtub or stand over the sink. Use a warm wash cloth to lay over baby’s belly – it helps keep them warm during the bath. If you have a very drafty/chilly bathroom, you may consider warming up the room just before bath time. Trust me, baby will reward you.
- Remember babies are squirmy, so always use one arm to support the baby, (cup baby’s neck between your thumb and index finger, insert other fingers into baby’s armpit for added support), then the other arm/hand to wash them. Eventually you will find your evolving comfort zone.
- Start from the top and work your way down. With a washcloth, wash face and head first, then neck, arms, belly and diaper area. Make sure to really clean under the chin and under arms.
- Rinse by pouring water with a bowl away from the parts you wash. (This is usually when a partner is useful.) For the face, you may use your hand or wipe with a washcloth.
- Keep in mind newborns may not need a bath every day. Except you live in dusty, hot and humid climate, three to four times a week is usually enough. Bathing newborns too often in a cold dry climate could dry out their sensitive skin.
- When the bath time is over, hand your precious cargo over carefully to your partner. If you are alone with baby, be aware of wet slippery surfaces so tread carefully.
That was done sharp sharp!! and hey you survived. Now move on to the dressing up phase!!!
