‘Common Sense’

Tips for Baby Bath Time

1. First make sure your own hands are clean – wash them well in warm soapy water to make sure they are clean and germ-free.

2. Test the water to make sure it is not too hot. You can do it the old fashioned way by dipping your elbow into the water or testing it on your wrist. You can also use a bath thermometer. A good temperature for a baby’s bath water should be about the same as the baby’s normal temperature of 97 – 100 degrees Fahrenheit

3. Have everything you need to bathe your sweet baby close by – things like washcloths, towels, baby wash, towels … you don’t want to have the baby in the wash basin and then suddenly realize you don’t have what you need!

4. When placing your baby in the tub, do so gently. Have one hand free so that you can hold the baby from behind. You will need the other hand to put the cleanser on the cloth and to gently wash the baby’s soft skin.

5. Put the cleanser on the wash cloth. Make sure to use a soft cloth and gentle cleanser made for baby’s tender skin

6. Start bathing the baby from the head and work your way down to legs and feet, saving the diaper area area for the last,. Make it a fun time for baby, talking softly and making sounds the baby likes to hear. Soon your precious little one will be talking back to you with his own special baby sounds. What a thrill that is!

7.  Rinse the baby with warm water, gently pouring the warm water over his head and body, making sure not to get it on the face as this frightens the baby.

9. Lift baby out of the basin and lay him on the the baby mat you have prepared for this occasion.

10. While the baby’s skin is still moist, gently rub moisturising lotion.

11. Finally, wrap the baby in a soft fluffy towel and pat dry any areas of dampness

The important thing to remember is that bath time for baby should be an enjoyable time for all – so relax and enjoy it. The baby will love it and so will you!