The first baby bath is an exciting milestone for both you and your little one! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of this special moment.
Gather everything you need before you start. You will need a baby bath or sink, a soft towel, mild baby soap, and a gentle washcloth. Undress your baby and wrap him or her in the towel.
Fill the baby bath or sink with a few inches of warm water. Gently lower your baby into the water and support his or her head with your hand. Use the washcloth to clean your baby’s face and body.
When you’re finished, lift your baby out of the water and wrap him or her in the towel. Gently dry your baby off and enjoy snuggling with your clean, fresh-smelling little one!
Why is bathing your baby important?
Bathing your baby is an important part of your baby’s health and hygiene. It helps to keep your baby hygienic, provides relaxation and helps in the development of healthy skin. It also helps strengthen your bond with your baby as it restores body and mind.
Bathing your baby also helps control discomfort and maintains body temperature. Shorter baths also help improve sleep and help with morning wake-up, keeps babies alert during the day and makes them tired in the evening. A warm bath helps in relieving many discomforts such as teething pain, nasal congestion and muscle stiffness. It also prevents skin rashes and keeps your baby’s skin looking and feeling healthy.
Therefore, bathing your baby is an important part of his/her health and hygiene. It contributes to overall well-being and helps keep babies with healthy skin.
What do you need to gather before you start?
Before you start to bathe your baby, you’ll need to gather all the supplies you’ll need. Here’s a list of the essential things you’ll need:
- A baby bathtub or sink
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- Soft towels
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- Baby shampoo and body wash
- Soft washcloth or baby sponge
- Baby brush
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- Ointment for diaper rash
- Clean clothes
When you’re gathering everything, make sure you lay out all the supplies within reach during the baby bath. This will make bathing your baby a lot easier and smoother. Some other items you may want to consider are a baby thermometer, toys, and a baby bath seat.
The bathtub set up
Once you have gathered all the supplies for the baby’s first bath, the next step is to set up the bathtub. If you’re using a sink, fill it up with about 2 to 3 inches of warm water. Make sure to use a thermometer to check the water temperature and ensure it isn’t too hot or cold depending on your baby’s age. If you’re using a bathtub, fill it up with the same amount of water.
After the bathtub is filled, add some baby shampoo and body wash to the water. This will make the water a lot gentler on your baby’s skin and will also help keep it clean. Place a rubber mat at the bottom of the bath to prevent your baby from slipping.
Lastly, make sure to keep all the supplies and items used in your baby’s bath within easy reach. This will make it easier to bathe your baby and ensure that everything is in its place when you’re done.
How to safely bathe your baby
Now that you have all the supplies and the bathtub is set up, the next step is to safely bathe your baby. Before anything else, make sure to test the water temperature and ensure it’s not too hot or cold for your baby’s age. To do this, place the thermometer about 6 inches from the tap.
Once the temperature is suitable, carefully lower your baby into the water, feet first. Be sure to keep one hand on your baby at all times to make sure he or she is safe.
Using a washcloth, delicately massage your baby’s body and scalp with some baby shampoo. The massage should be gentle and soothing. Make sure to avoid the baby’s face and don’t allow any soap to enter his or her eyes.
After you’re done cleaning your baby, you can wrap him/her in a towel to warm him/her. Discard the bathwater and pat your little one dry to keep him/her warm and comfortable.
Tips for a successful bath
1. Talk to your baby and speak in a soothing and calming voice throughout the bath. This will help your baby to feel comfortable and more at ease.
2. Be patient. A newborn's first few baths can take some time, and it’s important to follow the whole routine, even if you feel like your baby might be getting bored or tired.
3. For babies under 6 months, it's recommended to use every-day bath products specially designed for newborns. These products are generally very mild and prevent any skin irritation.
4. Remember that the room must be comfortably warm during bathtimes. Try to keep the room temperature between 70-80℉.
5. Make sure to have everything ready and within easy reach, so you don't need to leave your baby unattended.
6. It’s important to keep the baby hydrated before the bath and afterwards. Offer your baby some breastmilk or formula after the bath.
To wrap things up
Wrapping up the bathtime routine is just as important as the steps prior. Here are a few tips to help you finish up the bathtime routine safely and effectively:
1. Make sure that you have a warm, dry towel ready to wrap your baby in quickly and cuddle afterwards.
2. Gently dry your baby's skin, paying special attention to the folds. If your baby still feels a bit damp, you can always use a hairdryer on low power to finish up.
3. Dress your baby in soft, comfortable clothes. Keep in mind that while drying, babies will lose a bit of warmth so make sure to dress them accordingly.
4. Keep your baby snug while your finish up the bath and get them out of the bathtub.
5. As soon as the bath is finished, make sure to disinfect all the objects and accessories used during the bath.
6. Make sure to keep the room warm until it's time to go to bed.
By following these steps and tips, you can make sure that your baby's first bath is a safe and comfortable experience for everyone involved.
