The first few times that you bathe your newborn baby, you may feel some anxiety. The baby may not enjoy feeling cold from being wet and naked, and you may not enjoy the difficulty of maneuvering him safely to wash all areas of the body. The important thing is to relax and remain calm while trying to bathe a wriggling and upset baby. Keep a steady grip on him and never turn your back during the bathing process. Before placing him in the water, test it to ensure that it is warm and not hot.
Step 1
Buy the supplies needed to give a bath to your newborn. You must not leave the baby unattended at bath time, so gather all your supplies beforehand: infant tub, washcloths, baby wash, baby shampoo, cup, clean diaper, clothes and a towel.
Step 2
Fill a baby bathtub with approximately three inches of warm water. Always check the temperature of the water to make sure it is not scalding before the baby is placed into it. A water temperature of about 90 degrees is optimal. If you don't have a baby tub available, the kitchen sink may be used as an alternative. Clean the sink and sterilize it with alcohol wipes beforehand if you decide to use the sink for bathing the infant.
Step 3
Place the naked newborn into the water feet first. Support his neck and head with one of your hands. Leave the hand in place the entire time. Pour cups of warm water from the tub over him continuously throughout the bath to ensure that he stays comfortable.
Step 4
Apply a small amount of baby wash to one of the washcloths. Use your free hand to massage all areas of her body with the washcloth. Remember to clean between skin folds and around the genitals.
Step 5
Put a dollop of baby shampoo on his head. Massage into the scalp using a gentle motion. If the baby has any scales from cradle cap, use a soft baby brush to loosen scales before rinsing out the shampoo.
Step 6
Rinse the newborn with clean and warm water. Wipe away any soapy residue with a washcloth.
Step 7
Remove the baby from the bath. To lift him out, one hand should support the neck while the other hand supports his bottom. Wrap your fingers around the thighs to keep a firm hold on him. Place him in a clean towel and pat away any excess water. Put on the diaper quickly to avoid accidents and then dress him.
Tips and Warnings
- A newborn only needs a bath every few days since frequent bathing may cause skin irritation, advises the Mayo Clinic. Before the umbilical cord stump falls off, do not submerge the baby in water and only give him a sponge bath. The type of tub that you use to wash the newborn is not as important as keeping him safe by holding him at all times and never leaving him unattended. Keep the room at a warm temperature to minimize discomfort during bath time.
- Avoid using soap and water to clean a newborn's face. The Babycenter website recommends that you instead use cotton balls moistened with warm water.
Things You'll Need
- Infant tub
- Baby shampoo
- Baby wash
- Washcloths
- Towel
- Cup
- Diaper
- Clothes
