Baby Bath Safety Tips For Newborns

Baby bathtime!  Everything you need to know!

How often should you give baby bathtime? 

Newborn babies do not need to have baths everyday.  Bathing your baby too often may dry out your newborn's skin. Change your baby's diapers often and clean the diaper area with wipes.  Wipe their face and neck area with burp cloths throughout the day to keep them clean.

Safety Tips?

Always keep one hand on your baby.  If bathing on a changing table, always use the safety strap.  Never leave your baby alone in a tub or in the water for any reason, even if it is just for a few seconds.   Use a tub with a tempature plug that will let you know if the water is too hot.  You can also use a floating thermometer to check water temperature.  If you're interrupted, take your child with you.  Set the thermostat on the water heater in your house to below 120 F to prevent burns.

What type of soap?

No soap is needed for a newborns.  If you do use soap, select one that is mild and unscented. Do not use bubble bath.  Avoid soaps that are not tear free.  There are lots of organic soaps and organic shampoos that are very gentle on babies skin.

Sponge or Tub?

Experts recommend you give a sponge bath until his or her umbilical cord area heals.  Once your infant is larger and shows better head control you can begin to give tub baths instead of a sponge baths.

How to give a sponge bath?

Lay your baby on his or her back on the flat surface you have selected.  Wet the washcloth in the bowl you have filled with water, soap is not needed but can be used if your baby is dirty.  Wring out excess water and start wiping your baby's body.   Start with the baby's face and move on to dirtier parts of the body. Wipe each eyelid, from the inside to the outside corner.  Next move on to to creases under the baby's arms, behind the baby's ears, and around the baby's neck.  Wash between your baby's fingers and toes. Finally wash the baby's diaper area.  Wash each area by exposing only the body part that you are washing, this will ensure your baby stays warm.  Wrap in warm blanket for comforting when done.

What type of tub?

There are many types of tubs to choose from.  There are plastic tubs designed for newborns that come with a net used until the baby is larger.  There are also plain plastic tubs and inflatable tubs that fit inside the bathtub. Some parents simply use their kitchen or bathroom sink lined with a towel or rubber mat.

How to give a tub bath?

First add a few inches of warm water to the tub.  If you prefer you can lather your baby on a towel and then place the baby in the tub for rinsing.  Follow above steps for sponge bath. 

What temperature?

Always check water temperature before placing your baby into the bath.  You want the water to be warm,  not too hot and not too cold.  Use a tub with a tempature plug that will let you know if the water is too hot.  You can also use a floating thermometer to check water temperature.  The temperature of your bathroom is also important. Wet babies can get cold very easily during baby bathtime, a warm comfortable room set at 75 F degrees is best.