Giving a baby a sponge bath for the first time can be intimidating to new parents; many people have a lot of anxiety about handling something so tiny and precious. But sponge baths are needed until the umbilical cord falls off and the belly button heals; for boys, sponge baths are needed until the circumcision has also healed. Bathing baby is a great bonding experience which gives parents time to get to know baby, talk and sing to her and feel more comfortable handling her. According to KidsHealth, giving your baby a bath two or three times a week during her first year is sufficient; bathing more frequently may be drying to her skin.
Step 1
Prepare the spot. If using a sink, fill it up with warm water or keep the water running at a lukewarm temperature; if not, prepare a bowl of warm water. Place a towel on a flat spot and have one to three extra towels for covering and drying. Babies chill very easily and need to be covered and dried quickly. Have access to all supplies so you can reach them while keeping at least one hand on baby.
Step 2
Undress baby and lay him on the towel. Cover the rest of his body with another towel so he stays warm, and remember it will get wet too; however, you have extra towels that will remain dry until the end. Always cover whatever you aren't cleaning at the moment because if baby gets cold he will most likely get fussy; happy warm babies are much easier to bathe. MayoClinic.com advises washing your newborn's hair only if it seems dirty or your baby develops cradle cap, characterized by scaly patches on the scalp.
Step 3
Start with wetting the cotton balls in warm water, squeezing them out, and gently wiping baby's eyes and ears. Then wet the wash cloth in warm water--you do not need soap yet--and wipe baby's face and head. Once you've finished the face, wet the wash cloth and use a little mild soap and begin cleansing her body; start under her chin and neck, move to the shoulders and underarms, down her belly and legs. Pay extra attention to the folds near the diaper area and in between her toes. Babies are generally clean, so just enjoy rubbing baby. Make it fun for her by talking, singing and being extremely gentle and loving.
Step 4
Make sure all soap is washed off baby by wetting the wash cloth in warm water and squeezing it all over baby's body. If baby is still content and enjoying his bath, Martha Stewart in her online Baby magazine recommends baby massage. Place both your hands lying flat at the center of your baby's chest, and push out toward the edges of his torso, sweeping in and finishing at his belly button. Talk to your baby throughout the massage; your voice and eye contact are as important as the actual massage.
Step 5
End the bath by swaddling baby in the dry towel. Lotion is unneeded for newborns since their skin is getting used to being in the real world and can become easily agitated from lotions. Take this opportunity to cradle her and enjoy her sweetness for a few moments. Put on her diaper and clean clothes.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Mild, unscented baby soap
- Towels or blankets
- Bowl of warm water or access to sink
- Clean diaper
- Clean clothes
