Bathing Baby!

Your baby really doesn’t need much bathing if you clean his diaper area thoroughly during diaper changes. Giving your baby two or three baths a week during his first year is plenty. In fact, more bathing can dry out his skin. During his first week or so, until his umbilical cord stump falls off, your baby should have only sponge baths—just a gentle cleaning with a soft, damp, warm washcloth, with mild baby soap. Keep your baby wrapped in a towel, and expose only the parts of him that you’re washing at that time. Use the damp cloth to wash his face first—without soap—then wash the rest of his body, starting from the top of his head down to his toes, until finally washing the diaper area.

Once your baby’s umbilical cord is healed, you can bathe your baby directly in water. Most parents use a Bathinette™, sink or plastic tub lined with a clean towel. Use water that feels warm, but not hot, to your wrist or elbow. Again, wash your baby starting with his head and face, and wash the rest of his body from the top down. Have all of your baby soap, drying towels and other supplies nearby.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR BABY ALONE IN THE BATH, EVEN FOR A SECOND!

If you’ve forgotten something, need to answer the phone or door, or have an older child who needs your attention, wrap your baby in his towel and bring him with you!