Your Baby's First Bath - Precautions and Tips

The baby’s first few baths are to be done with caution and care to ensure that the baby enjoys it and feels relaxed. Avoid bathing the baby when he/she is hungry, tired or immediately after a feed. Bathing the baby requires keeping everything handy before starting the bath as only one of your hands will be free until the lift the baby from the bath. Ensure the room is warm before taking the baby for a bath.

Some of the things that you will need to keep handy before your baby’s first baths are cotton wool, bath soap or liquid (if used), a baby sponge (if used), a baby shampoo (if used), a jug of lukewarm water for shampooing, a nappy cream if necessary, a clean nappy, and clean clothes.

Precautions and tips for your baby’s first bath:

First run cold water and then hot in the bath. Test the water periodically by dipping your elbow in the water; the water should be tepid and just 4 inches deep. Your baby’s skin is 5 times more sensitive than yours; you could be extra sure after the elbow test by using a bath thermometer.

Undress the baby to his nappy and then gently cleanse his eyes, ears, face and creases in the neck with lukewarm water and fresh pieces of cotton wool for each area.

Wash the hair of the baby first before putting him/her in the bath. Wrap the baby tightly in a towel or hooded towel with his/her arms tucked inside and use the keep the other towel that could be used for drying the hair folded at the back. Holding the baby tight with one hand support his/her head and hold the baby over the bath, tipping him down slightly to avoid the water going in his eyes. After scooping and sponging the back of the head with the free hand, dry the baby’s head quickly by patting it dry.

If your baby has fair amount of hair, you could use a shampoo specially designed for babies. Apply a small, pea-sized amount of the shampoo to the crown of the head and smooth it gently on his/her hair. Finish shampooing by pouring a jug of fresh lukewarm water to the back of the head till the shampoo is all gone.

Next unwrap the baby and remove his/her nappy and clean the area with a damp piece of cotton wool. Lower the baby in the water by cradling him/her in your arms. Take care to support the head and shoulders with your forearms, grasping his/her shoulder and upper arm with the same hand.

Supporting the baby’s bottom with the other hand, use the free hand to swish water gently over his/her body; avoid the use of sponge or flannel, but allow the baby to get used to the sensation of water and to relax.

In a few minutes lift him/her from the water by holding him/her very firmly to avoid slipping. Next wrap the baby in a towel and lay him/her on a changing mat. Pat him/her dry paying particular attention to the creases in the arms, legs and neck. You may apply nappy cream if you use one or the baby’s nappy area is sore. Put a clean napkin and clothes. You may quickly comb the baby’s hair if he/she has lot of hair.

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