BABY BATHING - a parent's guide
Editorial Team

Overview

Some newborns enjoy bath time, but many don't, and it can sometimes be stressful.

Bath your baby two or three times a week, but wash their hands and face at least twice a day, and keep the nappy area clean.

The bath should be warm, not hot. Test the water with your hand or wrist before putting the baby in the bath.

Keep the room warm (24¬?C) so the baby does not get cold between changes.

Never leave your baby alone in the bath or on a changing table.

Preparing for baby's bath

Bath time should be fun so if you are feeling stressed take a few minutes to relax before you begin.

Many babies enjoy bath time but some don't, so you may like to wash only parts of their body at once instead of a full bath.

A sponge bath for newborns may be easier in the first few weeks. Newborns can be washed in a suitable sink or baby bath until they are older and can use an adult bath.

Some babies enjoy bathing with an adult or you could try breastfeeding in the bath.

The room should be kept warm at 24¬?C so the baby doesn't get too cold between changes. Babies can lose heat very quickly, especially if they are wet.

Get everything you need ready before putting the baby in the bath because this will make it easier. You will need:

A baby bath or tub filled with warm water from the tap. Check it with your hand or wrist first to make sure it's not too hot. Make it slightly cooler if in doubt.
A mild soap, but use it sparingly because it can dry the baby's skin
A face cloth
Baby shampoo or mild soap for their hair
A towel
Have a clean nappy and clothes ready
Safe bathing
Hold the baby firmly, supporting their head and back with one hand and washing them with the other.

Fill the bath with only six to eight centimeters of water for infants up to six months, and only until waist deep for older children.

Shampoo the hair last and use only a small amount.

Take the phone off the hook (or put on the answerphone), while the baby is in the bath.

Put the cold water in before the hot to help prevent scalding. Do not put the baby in the bath while the water is still running.

Always stay with the child at all times. Take the baby with you if you have to leave the bathroom. Children can drown in less than an inch of water and in under one minute. There have been tragic cases of this happening during brief distractions of the caregiver.

Boys: penis care

Your baby's foreskin does not need any special cleaning. Normal bathing with plain water is the best care. Do not rub a lot of frothy soap around the foreskin as this can get under it and cause irritation.

The foreskin cannot normally be pulled back and cleaned until 3-5 years. Never try to force it back at all.

If your baby has been circumcised give the baby a sponge bath until his skin has healed.

Seek medical advice if you notice pus at the end of the foreskin, if the foreskin balloons out during urination, if the urine flow is weak, or stops and starts, or seems to be painful.

Girls: vaginal care

A lot of frothy soap and bubble baths can sometimes irritate the vaginal area and should be avoided. Cleaning well with plain water and gentle drying (dabbing with a soft towel) is best.