baby care bath

Bathe the Baby


baby care bath


Everything you need to know about Bathe the Baby

 


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.

 

Baby Bath Time


How often should you bathe your baby? Once a day isn't necessary for your newborn baby, every few days is fine, particularly if he doesn't enjoy it. On the other days, follow the guide to topping and tailing to give him a quick clean. Avoid bathing him just before a feed, as he may not be cooperative, or just after, when he feels full and sleepy. If he does take to being bathed, you'll probably find that it's a good way to settle him before bedtime. Daily baths can also help you set a routine that suits you both.


How to Give your Baby a Relaxation Bath

 

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.

 

Topping and Tailing

 

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.

 

Safety Tips in Baby Bathing

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 and Baby Shampoo

 

Baby Soap Free Bath :

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.


Baby Shampoo :

A pure, mild and gentle shampoo that will not sting your baby's eyes or irritate the scalp. A formulation called "no more tears" ensures that the shampoo lather is as gentle as pure water. Use regularly it helps to prevent cradle cap. Leaves hair soft and shiny.

 

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