How to Bathe Your Baby

When your baby becomes ready for something other than a sponge bath it is time for a good old fashioned soak in the tub. Your baby's first real bath! If your baby does still require a sponge bath, maybe because her umbilical cord stump has not yet fallen off, use these quick steps to get you through. Otherwise a real bath is waiting for your baby. For a sponge bath all you really need to do is lay down a soft baby towel, preferably hooded, and fill up a small bowl of warm water. Set the bowl of water next to your baby and undress her. Use a soft baby washcloth or sponge and gently wipe your baby down. Be sure to clean under the neck, where fuzz's can build up, and in the diaper area. After your baby is clean, wrap her in the towel and gently dry her. try to keep her warm. Do not bathe your baby either way near a draft. This will cause your baby to catch a chill and probably begin to cry which will in turn make you alittle frantic. If you decide to put lotion on your baby rub it on her body after she is completely dried. Then continue with her diaper and clothing. After my daughter is out of the tub she enjoys a bottle, so I have one ready before hand for her. Then, she usually takes a nap. Now this is all you really need to do for a simple sponge bath. Your baby will not need one everyday. if your baby on the other hand is big enough for a normal bath, here are the how- to's.

First, gather all of your supplies. Getting everything ready before hand will be a huge help. This way you will not have to run for certain items you have forgotten. if you do happen to forget something essential such as baby soap or a towel take your baby out of the tub and take her with you. This is much better than leaving her alone in the water. Even leaving a baby alone for only a few seconds can be very harmful because a baby can drown in only afew inches of water. Never leave her alone in the tub as a strict rule no matter what. Some things to gather so that you do not forget anything should be a diaper, a hooded towel, lotion, a soft washcloth, baby soap and shampoo, maybe a cup to rinse her hair, and her clothing. Having everything right there will be helpful.