Once the umbilical stump has fallen off and the area has healed, your newborn is ready to transition from a sponge bath to a baby bath. Until your baby is crawling, he will need only one to two baths per week. Giving baths more than necessary can dry out your baby's skin. Keep the location where you bathe your baby at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit and free of drafts to ensure you baby is comfortable.
Step 1
Gather all needed supplies and keep them within arm's reach. You will need a plastic cup, washcloth, towel, cotton balls, gentle baby shampoo, mild soap, baby wipes, a diaper, diaper rash cream and clean clothes. A hypoallergenic moisturizer is optional.
Step 2
Fill the kitchen sink or a baby bathtub with 2 to 3 inches of warm water. Ensure the water is not too hot by testing it with the inside of your wrist. Before placing your baby into the water, be sure there are no electrical appliances near the area. Take a cotton ball and get it wet with clean water. Do not use soap on the cotton ball. Wash your baby's face with the cotton ball and wipe away crust from the corner of your baby's eyes.
Step 3
Undress your baby and place her in the shallow water. Always keep one hand on your baby. Pour water over your baby frequently to keep her warm. Use the washcloth with a small amount of mild baby soap to wash the creases of your baby's neck, armpits, chest, stomach and back. Wash your baby's feet and legs. Wash the diaper region with the washcloth last.
Step 4
Use a small amount of baby shampoo to wash your baby's hair. Support your baby's head and shoulders with your free hand as you massage the shampoo onto his scalp. Thoroughly rinse the shampoo and avoid getting soap and water in his eyes.
Step 5
Ensure all soap is off your baby and remove her from the bath. Your baby will be slippery, so maintain a good grip and place her on a towel. Wrap your baby in the towel and pat her dry thoroughly. Do not scrub the sensitive skin. Apply the hypoallergenic baby lotion if desired. Apply the diaper rash cream, clean diaper and dress your baby.
Tips and Warnings
- If your baby cries during baths, try leaving a diaper on him at first to give him a sense of security in the water. Create a checklist of all the supplies you need to bathe your baby and keep it near the bath area to ensure you don't forget anything.
- Your baby can drown in less than an inch of water in less than 60 seconds. Never leave a baby unattended. If you must step away from the bath, wrap your baby in a towel and take her with you. Failure to maintain a supportive grip on your baby while taking her out of the bath can result in dropping your baby, which can lead to an injury or even death. Third-degree burns can occur on your baby in less than a minute at 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Things You'll Need
- Baby bathtub or kitchen sink
- Towels
- Washcloth
- Cotton balls
- Baby shampoo
- Mild soap
- Diaper
- Diaper rash cream
- Clean clothes
- Hypoallergenic baby moisturizer (optional)
