In some instances, bathing a baby in a bassinet is most convenient and practical. Many nurses teach mothers how to bathe their newborns right in the bassinet in the days following childbirth and prior to discharge from the hospital. Sponge-bathing a new baby in the bassinet can minimize holding and lifting when he is wet and slippery. As a baby grows and becomes more active, however, using a conventional baby bathtub is easier and more practical.
Setup and Supplies
In many cases, necessary hygiene for a baby during the first month of life can be accomplished with a wet washcloth and cleanser without soaking in a baby bathtub. Before undressing the baby, it is a good idea to gather basic supplies: two small, clean basins of warm water; a clean washcloth; mild baby cleanser, if desired; a clean bath towel; a baby bath towel; a close-fitting baby cap; cotton balls; a diaper and dry baby clothes. Placing a clean bath towel in the bassinet creates a soft, absorbent spot for the baby and helps to protect the bassinet.
Cleansing
After undressing the baby, you may want to keep her loosely swaddled in a towel with a hat on, as this helps to minimize heat loss. It is important to support the baby's head and neck while bathing, as always. The baby's eyes and face should always be cleansed first and the baby's genitals and bottom last. Otherwise, sponge-bathing the baby in a bassinet just needs to be safe, steady and efficient. Uncovering and washing one part of the baby at a time can help the baby stay warmer. When the bath is complete, the baby can be dried with a soft towel, diapered and dressed.
Common Reactions to Bathing
Bathing a new baby can feel daunting at first. Infants are vulnerable and their behavior when upset can be intense. Babies often react to bathing with loud shrieking and crying. When this occurs, their skin can get red, their lips often quiver, and they may flail their arms and legs. Very young infants have an involuntary reflex, known as the Moro reflex. MedLine Plus assures us that the flailing arms and startled look of this reflex are normal from birth until three or four months of age.
Tips
Disposable pads like the ones used to protect bed linen in hospitals can be convenient for bathing a baby in a bassinet.
When a baby doesn't like being bathed, it is best to continue gently and efficiently, reassuring him with your touch and words. When being bathed is the only cause of upset, interrupting the bath in order to stop a baby's crying can be misguided, as it will likely only prolong his discomfort.
Pediatricians commonly advise parents to wash a newborn baby's head, face, neck and bottom every day. It may be appropriate to give the baby a full bath less often, so you may want to ask your baby's pediatrician what she recommends.
Warnings
A baby should never be left alone in a bathtub of any kind, in a sink or near water. MedLine Plus warns that babies can drown in as little as an inch of water.
Never leave a baby unsupervised for any length of time on a surface like a changing table, furniture, bed or countertop, among others. A baby can be injured or die if caretakers assume that a baby is secure when, in fact, she is not. Baby furniture and equipment can be dangerous if used for a purpose or in ways other than according to a manufacturer's instructions. It is important to consult with a pediatrician or bassinet manufacturer first before using it to bathe your baby.
