A bath can be a time of fun and closeness for both you and your baby. Bathe your baby two or three times a week. Choose a time when your baby isn't hungry.
Warning
Never leave your baby alone in a bath.
Gather everything you need before undressing your baby. You will need these supplies: a baby tub or a clean sink, warm water, soap, shampoo, washcloth, towel, softbristled
baby brush, clean diaper and clothing.
If you are using a sink, line it with a towel or receiving blanket to make the surface less slippery.
Test the temperature of the water on your wrist or inside of your arm. It should feel warm, not hot.
Wash your baby's head before putting her in the bath. Hold her so her shoulders and head are over the tub. (See drawing A.)
Scoop up some of the bath water to wet her head and use a small amount of tearless shampoo. Rinse her head well and dry it with a towel.
Place your baby in the tub. You can position your baby on her back, supporting her head with your arm. Or, sit her up, supporting her head and neck with one hand. (See drawings B and C.)
A. Hold your baby so her shoulders and head are over the tub when you wash her head.
B. Use both hands to gently place her in the tub.
C. Gently support her head and neck with one hand while you bathe her with the other hand.
Hold your baby firmly. Babies are slippery when wet.
Never leave your baby, even for a moment.
Use soap that is free of perfumes and dyes. Newborn skin is sensitive.
Use very little soap. Newborn skin dries out easily.
Rinse the soap off well after you have cleaned an area.
Wash from her face to toes.
Use the clean edge of the washcloth to clean around each eye. Wipe from the center of the nose outward.
For girls, wash the inside of the labia by wiping down toward the buttocks. Use a clean part of the washcloth for each side.
For boys, gently wash around the penis and around and under the scrotum.
When the bath is over, wrap and dry your baby with a soft towel.
Brush your baby's hair with a soft-bristled baby brush.
If your baby's skin is dry, you can apply lotion.
Don't use powder. It can get in your baby's lungs and make her sick.
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