When your baby is a little older he can move away from having a sponge bath to having a tub bath. Babies don't really need to be bathed everyday until they are crawling and making messes. However you may want to give them a bath just for the fun of it. Bath time is great time to bond with your baby, a good way for your baby to wind down, relax and to prepare for bedtime.
Step 1
Collect all your supplies, as you can't leave your baby if you've forgotten something during bathing. Lay out a diaper, clothes, a towel and wash your hands. Place the baby tub on a flat surface, like a kitchen island or in the adult bath
Step 2
Fill the baby bath tub with a few inches of warm water. The water should be lukewarm, with a temperature between 90ºF and 100ºF. Use a bath thermometer to test the temperature. Swirl the water with your hands to ensure there are no hot spots and test the temperature by dipping your elbow into the water.
Step 3
Undress your baby and place him gently in the tub feet first, making sure you use one hand to support his head, neck and back. Carefully pour cupfuls of water over him regularly to prevent your baby from getting cold.
Step 4
Wash each area of your baby. You can use water or a mild baby cleanser. Use moistened cotton balls to clean your baby's eyes, wiping from the inner corner of the eye outwards, use a washcloth to clean your baby's face and then work your way down washing the neck, torso, legs and bottom.
Step 5
Wash your baby's hair, using a wet soapy flannel, taking care not to apply pressure on your baby's soft spot (fontanelle), rinse with water and pour the water from the forehead to the back of the head to avoid getting water in your baby's mouth or eyes.
Step 6
Rinse your baby, by pouring cupfuls of water until all the lather has been removed. Carefully lift your baby from the bath supporting his head and neck with one hand and holding his bottom and thigh with the other. Be cautious as a wet baby can be very slippery.
Step 7
Wrap your baby up in a hooded towel and pat dry making sure you remove all the moisture from creases like the neck and under arms, to avoid skin irritation. Dress immediately.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure the room temperature is warm to avoid heat loss in your baby. If you're a little anxious about giving your baby a tub bath, you may benefit from watching a demonstration (see Resources).
- Never leave your baby in the tub alone, not even for a second, a baby can drown in as little as an inch of water. Never place your baby in a tub with the faucet running, changes in water temperature can cause your baby to burn. Use soaps and cleansers that are catered for babies, never use adult soaps and shampoos as the chemicals they contain may be too strong for your baby's sensitive skin.
Things You'll Need
- Baby bath tub
- Baby soap/cleanser
- Two washcloths
- Cotton balls
