The First Bath

One of the most anxious much-awaited moments for a new parent is the first bath for the baby. The baby may look very fragile once she’s out of her clothes. Here are a few tips for that first baby bath.

The First Bath:

Wrap up baby in a bath towel, put your baby on your lap and begin with the cleaning of the face and head.

Face:

Fill a bowl with warm water, dip some cotton wool in it and squeeze it dry. Wipe each eye with a separate piece of cotton wool. Do not probe into the nose and ears. With another piece, wipe around the neck, face, mouth and nostrils.

Head:

Support her head in the palm of your hand, with her back along your forearm and legs tucked under your elbow. Gently wash her head with water cupped in your hand, taking care that the water does not enter her eyes. Care should be taken to avoid pressure to delicate structures like the fontanelles.

A touch of baby shampoo will provide essential cleaning and leave your baby with a distinct baby fragrance. Alternatively, you could put the shampoo on a cloth, rub it gently over her scalp and then wipe with another wet clean cloth.

Unwrap your baby from the towel at the last possible moment, take off the nappy. Gently put your baby in the water. Support your baby’s shoulders and neck with one arm and use the other to support her bottom. Hold your baby securely under the armpit.

• Wash your baby, paying particular attention to the area around the bottom and also, the folds of skin around the neck, where traces of baby dribble can hide.

• Let your baby play by kicking and splashing and talk to her as much as you can to reassure her. Have a towel ready to wipe away any water that splashes onto her face or eyes.

• Two or three minutes in the water are enough for a very young baby. You can use a gentle baby wash to clean her. Rinse your baby thoroughly with clean water.

• Lift her out of the water by sliding your free hand under her bottom. She will be slippery, so hold firmly. Wrap her in a towel on your lap and cuddle her dry.

• Massage some baby lotion onto her body.