Bathing an infant – Things to do!!!

So many questions pop up in the head of a new mom when bathing an infant comes to mind. Nurses at the hospital will direct you about the process, plus your mom or mom-in-law or any experienced person may help you out initially.

We realized that sometimes it is important for a new mom to gain her own knowledge about the matter as well and Internet is God when it comes to imparting knowledge. Here are some basics that we learnt during our time as new moms; hope this helps!

• Your new born baby need not have a daily sponge bath if her diaper area is cleaned with a double rinsed wash cloth (no soap residue should be left) during diaper changing process. Three times a week is more than sufficient.
• Put her directly in the water only after her umbilical area is healed. Before that sponge bath is the only necessary thing.
• When bathing the baby, use a sink or a plastic tub with not more than 2 inches of water in it.
• The water should be warm and not hot. To check the appropriate temperatures place the inside of your wrist or elbow in the water.
• The initial bath should be brief and relaxing. In case she is putting up a huge fuss or seems too miserable, maybe she is not ready. Resume sponge baths and retry water baths after couple of weeks again.
• Before bringing the baby for the bath, keep the supplies handy like a super mild baby soap/shampoo, soft washcloth, a small mug to pour water gently on her body, couple of clean dry towels (preferably with a hood), clean diapers, powder etc.
• For an infant no bath toys are needed. The bath should be swift and brief.
• Once a little older and if the child is enjoying her bath time, it is alright for her to linger just a little bit longer while she splashes and explores the water.
• Most importantly — NEVER LEAVE THE CHILD UNATTENTED IN THE TUB. (Yes we mentioned it in all caps, because it is that important). Infants can drown in less than an inch of water and within 60 seconds. Your one hand has to be on the child as long as she is in the water.

What we are saying is, stay calm and enjoy the bathing process just as joyously as your child does.