Bath-time is fun-time:
For most first time moms bath-time can be quite nerve-wrecking, handling a screaming, wiggling, wet and soapy tiny baby takes practice and confidence. So stay calm, maintain a good grip and prepare before-hand for the bath.
For the first week or so it’s best to give your infant sponge baths with a warm, damp washcloth. Wash his face and hands frequently and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change. After the umbilical cord stump dries up, falls off, and the area heals, you can start giving your new-born a tub bath every few days, your new-born’s bath-times should take you around 5 minutes. Bathing her more frequently may dry out her skin, particularly if soaps are used or moisture is allowed to evaporate from the skin. Patting her dry and applying a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizing lotion – Epizone Baby & Kids Epizone A immediately after bathing can help prevent dry skin or worsening the skin condition called eczema.
Step by step guide on bathing your new-born:
- Preparedness is essential, so make sure that all your supplies are at hand and the room is warm before undressing the baby. (this includes a mild soap or moisturising substitute, a washcloth, and a plastic cup), and lay out a wooded towel, a clean diaper, and clothes. Make sure the room is comfortably warm so your baby doesn’t get chilled.
- Fill the tub with about 5cm of water that feels warm, but not hot, use the inside of your wrist to measure.
- Bring your baby to the bath area and undress her completely.
- Gradually slip your baby into the tub feet first, using one hand to support her neck and head, with baby lying on your arm and your hand cupping her arm at the shoulder for extra support. Pour cupful’s of bath water over her regularly during the bath so she doesn’t get too cold.
- Use a mild soap and use it sparingly (too much dries out your baby’s skin). Remember a fragrance-free moisturiser can be used as a soap substitute for sensitive skin.
- Wash her with your hand or a washcloth from top to bottom, front and back. Start by washing babies face and eyes, then washing her scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. Pay special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck, and, especially with a girl, the genital area.
- Rinse your baby thoroughly with cupfuls of water, and wipe her with a clean washcloth. Then very carefully lift her out of the tub with one hand supporting her neck and head and the other hand supporting her bottom. Wrap your fingers around one thigh making sure you have a good hold as babies are slippery when wet.
- Patting her dry and applying a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizing lotion – Epizone Baby & Kids Epizone A immediately after bathing can help prevent dry skin or worsening the skin condition called eczema. Then diaper her, dress her, and give her a kiss on her sweet-smelling head.
Speak to your baby encouragingly during the process. Bathing should be a relaxing and soothing experience, preparing baby for her for sleep.