You would love to give your newborn a bath but the thought terrifies you. You worry if you can manage to bathe the newborn since they are tiny and slippery. Following a few precautionary tips can help you breeze through this daily routine without a hitch. There are many ways to bond with your newborn and one of them is giving him that relaxing massage and bath. Once your newborn gets accustomed to your touch and voice, bathing process will be more enjoyable. Read on and adopt these tips to make bathing, fun for your baby.
1. Prepare
Decide on the place where you will be bathing your baby. Keep all the essential bath supplies ready before you get your baby for a bath. Lay out the clothes, diapers, medicine, lotion, baby soap, cleanser and other things that you require after giving bath to your baby. Also, ensure you can access it easily and readily with one hand. You will not be able to move around in search of a diaper pin with a dripping baby in hand.
2. Keep away from hazards
a. Bath tub and bath area
If you are giving bath using a tub, place the tub on the table and ensure that it is stable. Use a towel below the bath tub so that it does not slip. Also place an anti-slip mat or a non-skid rug next to the tub to avoid slippery falls. Install spout covers so that the baby does not hit his head on the faucet.
b. Avoid shocks
Ensure all the electrical outlets are covered when not in use, to avoid shocks and electrocution. Do not use any electrical appliance near the bath tub or when the tub is full of water. It is safe not to use electrical heaters in the bathroom.
c. Room temperature of bath area
Keep the bath room closed and warm when you are giving bath to your infant. Recommended room temperature is about 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
d. Sharp objects
Leave all the sharp objects such as scissors, razors in a closed cabinet which is out of your baby’s reach. Do not keep them in open as they pose danger to your newborn.
3. Water temperature
Check the water temperature in the bath tub before you put your newborn in the water. It should be filled with lukewarm water. It is recommended to use either the inside of your wrist or dip your elbow to check the water temperature. Recommended setting for the temperature of water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. There are anti scald devices that can be installed to prevent scalding mishaps.
4. Keep your baby safe
One of the foremost and important precaution tips is to never leave your baby alone in the bath tub. Do not attend a phone call or the door when you are giving bath to your baby. It simply takes a fraction of a second for an infant to drown. Babies can drown even in less than an inch of water. If it is really necessary for you to leave the bath area, carry her along with you. Also, never leave the water running when you are giving bath to your infant. You should always fill up the tub before you place the baby into the tub. If required, add water to the tub using cups. Remember to empty the tub completely after each use.
Always keep one hand on your baby while giving bath. At the changing table, use safety straps to bind your baby safely when you need to use your hands to fetch his bath supplies.
5. Soap and shampoo
During the first few weeks of birth, your baby requires cleaning through plain water. If you need to use soap, use mild soaps specially made for babies. Never use adult soaps and body washes on your baby’s skin. They are sensitive and will cause irritation to your infant. Do not use baby soaps that come with added color and perfumes. It is also better to avoid using lotions after a bath on newborns. These may block the baby’s sweat glands. Dry all the folds of your baby’s skin carefully after each bath. This will prevent rashes and infection.You can clean your baby’s dirty hair with gentle tear free shampoo. You can also clean his head with a warm washcloth.
Bath time is a great opportunity for you to learn and bond with your infant. Talk and sing to your baby while preparing him for bath. There are various bath tub toys that you can use to make bath time routine fun and a pleasant experience.
