When it comes to normal baby care, nothing is as scary to new parents as bath time. Don't worry about putting baby in a tub for the first couple of weeks, until the umbilical stump has fallen off. During these early days, a sponge bath will do. After your baby's umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the area has healed, you can start to put them into the baby tub for baths. Your baby will not be ready to use the "big" bathtub until they are three to six months old, when they can hold their head up properly.
The baby tub
Some parents like to use a small plastic tub; others like to use a sink. If you buy a baby tub, try to get one that has a hole in the bottom, so that you can easily drain the water after bath time is over. There are even baby tubs that are made to fit into the kitchen sink.
When preparing for your baby's bath, make sure the room is warm enough, and remove any rings or other jewelry from your hands. Keep a cup, a baby washcloth, mild soap, baby shampoo, and a soft towel nearby. Use the cup to fill the bathtub with two to three inches of lukewarm water. Test the temperature of the water with the inside of your wrist.
Gently lower your baby into the water, making sure to support their head and neck with one of your hands. Use the washcloth without soap to wash baby's face. Then soap up and rinse their body. Your baby will enjoy their bath if you continually pour warm water over their body to keep them warm.
Wash your baby's hair with mild shampoo, and massage it into their entire scalp. Rinse the shampoo with your hands or a cup.
When you are finished washing your baby, wrap them in a towel and gently pat them dry. You may want to use some baby lotion so that their skin does not dry out.
The big tub
Once your baby is able to sit up by themselves or with minimal help, you may want to switch them to the family tub. Although this may seem daunting at first, especially since your baby is so small and slippery, the big tub can be great fun for a six-month-old.
Make sure the room is warm, and keep your baby's clothes on until the tub is filled with water. Keep a soft hooded towel, a washcloth, soap, shampoo, and tub toys close at hand, within arm's reach. Test the water temperature before putting your baby in the tub. If you dip your elbow or wrist into the bath water, the temperature should be warm, not hot. Then ease your baby into the water. Stay right beside your baby the entire time they take a bath. Do not leave for a second, as your baby can drown in just a small amount of water.
Here are some other helpful tips for making your baby's time in the big bath tub more fun:
- Use tub toys, plastic books, and plastic containers to keep your baby occupied while you wash them. Dry off the toys after each use, and store them in a dry place.
- Don't splash your baby's face. While your baby may enjoy splashing around and having a grand old time, they will not like it if you splash water in their face. Splashing your baby's face can turn them off bath time altogether.
- Don't pull out the stopper while your baby is still in the tub. Emptying the tub while your baby is still in it can cause a chill. It can also upset your baby. The noise of the water going down the drain can frighten them, and they may also worry that they will fall down the drain too.
Safety considerations for bath time
Always make sure to remain within arm's reach of your baby when they are in the bathtub. Never leave them alone or in the care of another child while they are being bathed. Do not to ask babysitters to bathe your baby.
Last but not least, always remember that hot bath water can burn your baby's fragile skin. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, before you put your baby into the bathtub. Make sure that the hot water tap is not dripping, so that droplets will not fall onto your baby and cause a burn.