10 Steps for a Fuss-free Bath

Giving baby his first bath can be unnerving but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it in no time at all. The first 2 weeks, avoid giving baby a full bath in the first 2 weeks until his umbilical cord stump falls off.  Once it’s healed, he’ll be ready for his bath.

10 steps for a fuss-free bath:

1. Choose a good time for the bath – when he’s fed and rested and in a good mood. Do it between feeds rather than right after a feed.

2. Ensure the room is warm and not draughty.

3. Get your supplies ready and within easy reach: washcloths, mild cleanser, baby shampoo, cotton balls, clean clothes.

4. Fill the baby bathtub with warm water, add a few drops of baby soap into the water. Check the water temperature with a thermometer, your palm or wrist as your newborn’s skin is far more sensitive than yours. The ideal temperature is 36˚C to 38˚C.

5. Lower your baby carefully into the tub, and keep a firm grip on him to prevent slipping.

6. Gently wash his body with a soft washcloth, cleaning around the base of the umbilical cord and with warm water. Pay attention to crevices at the neck, limbs, elbows and the diaper area.

7. Turn him over, supporting his chest and head with one hand, and wash his back, hips and buttocks.

8. Let him enjoy the warm bath water for a while before lifting him out of the water. He will now be slippery and wet, so be sure to hold him gently but firmly.

9. Once he is out of the water, wrap him in a towel immediately to keep him warm.

10 .Dry him well before putting on a fresh diaper and dressing him in clean clothes.