A Guide to Infant Bathing
Infant bathing is a special experience for new and not so new parents. It is a wonderful way to interact and bond with your infant, as well as a necessary step towards your baby’s hygiene. Infant bathing does require some special techniques and handling however, so here are some simple steps to make sure your baby’s bathing experience is both pleasant and safe.
Bathing Infants with Umbilical Cords
There are two types of baths for infants, baths for infants who still have their umbilical cord attached, and bathing an older infant who has lost their cord. Bathing an infant can be intimating for new parents, but it is really a very easy process. To begin, let’s start with a baby who still has their umbilical cord attached. The cord is a very delicate part of the newborn, and requires special care. These babies should not be submerged in water, but instead should be cleaned with a soft towel and very mild soap specifically designed for infants. To prevent infections, the umbilical cord must be clean daily. The best way to clean the cord area is to take a swap and dip it in alcohol. Then carefully clean the area surround the cord. Do not get this cord area wet. The rest of the baby should be thoroughly but gently cleaned with a soft towel, making sure to get the entire baby clean, including in the folds and cracks of the skin. Be especially careful around the baby’s soft spot. This type of washcloth bath should be given to infants for as long as their umbilical cord is attached. It usually takes about two weeks before the cord has fallen off entirely and the baby is ready for a regular bath. It is always important to remember to bathe infants occasionally, not every day as it may cause skin irritation.
Bathing Older Infants
Giving a baby a washcloth bath is the easy part. Once the baby is ready for a submersion bath there are a few more preparations you should take. First, while a sink works just find as a bathtub, the best and safest way to bathe an infant is by using a safety bathtub with a rubber backrest. These work best for helping to keep the baby in an upright and manageable position. The next consideration is water temperature. It is important to remember that babies have much more sensitive skin than we do, so be sure to keep the water luke warm. Always avoid bath water that is too hot. The appropriate water temperature will feel slightly cooler than one would expect for bathwater. You will not need too much water in the tub. The water only needs to be a few inches deep.
Once the baby is in the water, handle him or her very carefully. Also be careful as babies, especially when mixed with soap can be very slippery. Use a baby specific no tears formula of soap. It must be very gentle. Wash the baby thoroughly but gently again. By now you should have this part down. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to get the infant as clean as possible. Be sure to hold the baby in an upright position, avoid letting the baby slip lower into the water. Once the bath is completed, pat dry the infant with a clean and soft towel. Sometimes it can be tricky getting the wet baby out and into the towel, so at first try having a helper waiting to take the baby. Then add some lotion and baby powder for that clean, fresh smelling baby. That about all it takes. Eventually you will become an expert in infant bathing and will enjoy this special time you spend with your baby.