It’s Baby Bath Time! Preparing For The Big Splash
July 20th, 2009. Published under Infants and Toddlers. No Comments.
A newborn baby is absolutely a bundle of joy, but it is also a bundle of questions for the new parents. Some of the major questions often center on bath time. How hot does the water need to be? Should I use my regular-sized tub? What supplies do I need? Are there any special techniques? The questions go on and on and, of course, there are answers. Here are a few of them.
The temperature of the water is the one thing that parents often worry about. You don’t want it too cold, but you don’t want it too hot either. Try to keep the water around ninety-degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a thermometer, you can simply use that to determine the temperature. If not, test the water on the skin on the inside of your wrist. If it burns you there, it’s too hot. If it’s comfortable on your skin, it’s probably okay. Also, baby will often react if it’s too hot, so pay attention.
Many new parents find that it’s easier to buy a baby tub for their newborn rather than bathing them in the regular tub, simply because it’s easier to support the baby’s head and neck. Some parents even bathe their baby in the sink. It’s the perfect height and the perfect size. If you do this just be careful about the spout and clean out the sink really well prior to starting.
As far as supplies go, you’ll need some soft baby washcloths, a soft towel such as a baby hooded towel, and some mild baby soap. Also, get some fresh clothes and a diaper ready for when baby is done. While it isn’t absolutely necessary to use baby hooded towels and washcloths, it’s a good idea because they are soft and the perfect size for baby.
For bathing techniques, the common rule of thumb is to start from top to bottom, front to back. Use the mild soap and washcloth to wash your baby’s head and then work your way down. It’s not necessary to use soap every time on the baby because it often dries out the skin, but every so often is okay. Be gentle around your baby’s genital area, but clean it well both at bath time and diaper changing time.
Bath time, when done right, can be an enjoyable time for both of you, and you’ll learn your own special way of doing things as you go along. Remember that baby doesn’t need to be bathed every day. Once or twice a week is fine. That way it will be an event, rather than a chore. The most important thing, however, is to be calm, happy, and interact with your baby so he knows what’s going on, too.
Kat Hafen writes and contributes for many baby and parent online publications including HugaMonkey. Always on a quest for the best baby gear, Kat can help point out a great hooded towel. For more information regarding hooded towels, visit http://www.hugamonkey.com/baby-hooded-towels.