Before you head out into the world, you may decide your baby needs a bath. Believe it or not, babies only need two or three baths a week during their first year. More frequent baths can dry their skin and cause irritation. For the first few weeks, sponge baths are in order. Once remnants of your baby’s umbilical cord fall off—within one to four weeks—and circumcision heals, you can start bathing your baby in a tub.
Here are our top five tips for bathing your baby:
- Be sure the room is warm. If necessary, turn up the heat before bath time.
- Have what you need within reach. This includes: soft washcloth; mild, unscented baby soap and shampoo; soft brush to clean the scalp; towels (have extra for unexpected needs); an infant tub; a changing pad or clean flat surface; and a clean diaper and clothes.
- Fill tub with a few inches of warm (not hot) water. Test the water temperature with your elbow. Add a few squirts of baby wash.
- Gently lower your baby into the water, supporting the head and neck gently. Never let go of an infant in the tub. Using your other hand, begin gently washing. Rinse carefully, protecting baby’s eyes from soap.
- Wrap your baby securely in a warm towel, making sure to cover your baby’s head.
Written by our Founder & CEO, Lindsay Bell!