Expert Information for Parents On-Line
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HOW TO GIVE NEW BABY A BATH?

INFOPARENTS.COM:

  • Keep the room that you bathe the baby in warm. Also, use warm water - never hot, as it may scald baby's sensitive skin. Test the temperature by dipping your elbow in the water.

  • When baby is ready for tub baths, use an infant tub, a plastic dishpan, or a sponge seat made especially for babies. If you're using a sponge seat, be sure to let it dry properly between baths to avoid mildew growth.

  • Fill the tub without the baby in it, to prevent accidental scalding. The tub should be filled with no more than 2 inches or 5 cm of water.

  • NEVER leave your baby alone, even for a second. Infants can drown in less than an inch or 2.5 cm of water. So make sure you have everything you need on hand, including soap, shampoo, towel, diaper and clothing. Be sure to hold baby firmly.

  • When washing, start with the cleanest areas first, and work toward the dirtiest, so that the washcloth and the water remain clean for as long as possible. After washing each area, rinse thoroughly. Take special care when washing your baby's face, neck, ears, buttocks, genitals, and folds of skin. Hair only needs shampooing once or twice a week. Just rinse hair with water on days between shampooing.

  • Wash your baby's skin with mild soap once or twice a week. Daily use of soap is only necessary on the hands and the diaper area. The rest of your baby's body can just be washed with water on most days, unless it is particularly dirty.

  • To clean your baby's ears, wash only the outside of the ear. Never put anything (such as a Q-Tip) into your baby's ear.

  • After bathing, gently pat dry your baby's skin with a soft towel. Be sure to dry the bottom well, and other areas where there are folds of skin. Until the umbilical stump has fallen off, avoid tub bathing. Instead, sponge-bathe, or wash baby with your hands, keeping the stump area as dry as possible

    This answer is provided by Infoparents.com, Expert Information for Parents On-Line, for more parenting resources and information please visit www.infoparents.com


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    The information provided above is designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace the advice and care of your health and/or allied health professional, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
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