![]() |
Bathe the Baby |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Everything you need to know about Bathe the Baby
|
|
|
You may be a little nervous at first about bathing
your baby. If you are, don't worry, you're not alone. Many new
parents feel this way. However, with time and experience your confidence
will grow. Being properly prepared also helps. Once you gain confidence
you'll find bath time can be relaxing for you and your baby.
Here are some steps that will help make bath
time safe and enjoyable for you and your baby.
1. Choose a place that is safe, warm (heat the room up if you
have to) and free of draughts.
2. Ensure that the bath water is warm by testing with the inside
of your wrist (not your elbow where the skin is too tough). Run the cold
water into the bath before the hot water to prefer scalding.
3. Stand up with the bath at waist level so that you will not
get a backache.
4. Hold your baby securely and never leave your baby alone for
any reason.
5. Allow plenty of time so that your baby can really enjoy her
bath time.
Have
these within reach:
1. baby bath with water.
2. soft washcloth.
3. two towels.
4. soap free baby bath solution.
5. baby shampoo.
6. cotton balls.
7. pure baby cornstarch powder
8. nappy rash cream.
9. nappies, liners, pins with safety catch, pilchers.
10. clean baby clothes.
A
relaxation bath can be performed at any time of the day. It
needn't be cleansing bath. A relaxation bath followed by a gentle baby
massage is therapeutic and pleasurable for your baby, enhancing love
through touch.
1. Undress your baby but leave his nappy on. Wrap him in a warm
towel while you wash his face and head.
2. Fill the bath with warm water, approx. 15 cms deep. If it
also a cleansing bath, add the baby bath solution now.
3. Remove his nappy and test the bath water with the inside of
your wrist. The temperature should be a little warmer than it is for a
conventional baby bath.
4. Hold your baby very securely. Lay your forearm across the
back of his shoulders while gently clasping him under the arm. Lower him
in the bath. your baby will enjoy the floating sensation he will feel in
a warmer, deeper bath.
Note:
some relaxation bath techniques teach the practice of turning your baby
over to float on his tummy. If you are confident enough to do this your
baby will enjoy it, but get a midwife to demonstrate this procedure
before trying it yourself.
You
don't need to bathe your baby every day, topping and tailing is
an acceptable alternative, especially if your baby doesn't like bath
time.
Make
sure the room is warm, wash your hands, then undress your baby to his
nappy and wrap him in a towel. Use cotton wool dipped in cooled boiled
water and dry gently after each stage:
1. Eyes. Wipe from the inner corner outwards using a clean piece
of cotton wool for each stroke, then dry with a tissue.
2. Face and neck. Wipe clean, paying particular attention to the
neck creases, where dribble can collect.
3. Ears. Wipe over and behind, but never inside.
4. Hands, feet and underarms. Wash his hands (uncurl his fingers
first), feet (between the toes) and under his arms.
5. Cord stump. Until this is fully healed, it should be cleaned
gently everyday, but don't prod. Dry carefully with fresh cotton wool.
6. Nappy area. For a girl, always wipe from front to back,
gently separate the outer vaginal lips only to clean inside them. There
is no need to pull back a boy's foreskin to clean underneath it.
1. Run the cold water first, and then gradually add hot water
until you get the temperature you want. About 15 cm of water should be
enough.
2. Always check the temperature before putting your baby
in. You could use a bath thermometer that should read 37 C.
3. Turn the taps off tightly before putting your baby in.
4. Use a non-slip mat.
5. Don't let your baby stand or jump in the water unsupported.
Even if he doesn't injure himself, a fall could put him off bathing in
the future.
6. Cover the tap with a washcloth to prevent him banging his
head, or purchase padded cover.
7. Always kneel by the bath so you can hold him securely, this
will also prevent back strain.
8. Never leave a baby or small child in the bath unattended,
even for a second.
Baby
Soap Free
It
specially formulated to cleanse your newborn baby's delicate skin
without removing the natural oils. It is the mildest way to effectively
wash your baby from top to toe.
|
|
Related Links on BABY CARE Home : Index Baby Development : Baby Health Care :
Baby Skin Care :
Baby Massage : Baby Massage Baby Stuff : Baby Stuff Soothing & Sleeping :
Baby's Nappy : Baby Bath : Baby Bath Breastfeeding :
|
|
Free Download: Baby Care Ebook |
Recommended ebooks and tutorials:
|
|
|
copyright
@ 2007-2009 | baby-care.amalico.com | Baby Care: |