Your baby will receive a bath in the newborn nursery.  In the newborn period your baby won't need a submersion bath for several weeks or months.  Some pediatricians waiting and tell the umbilical stump balls off before submersing your baby in water. However, you may give your baby a sponge bath every few days. The diaper area can be cleaned with wet wipes during each diaper change. Frequent baths in a newborn made dry out the skin.  Applying a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic baby moisturizing lotion immediately after bathing may help keep the skin from drying out. For a baby sponge bath, you can lay your baby on a towel on a soft surface and pat the skin with a warm, wet washcloth.  It is recommended that you use a mild baby soap for the skin and baby shampoo for the hair. Having a small basin of warm water next to your baby will make bathing easier. All bathing supplies should be within reach and your baby should never be left unattended for any reason (i.e., to answer the phone, to answer the door, or stopping a fight between your other children).

How do I bathe my newborn?

In the first few weeks of life in newborn infant should have sponge baths with a warm, wet washcloth.  This may be done every few days as needed.  Submersing your infant in water is not necessary in the first few weeks and some pediatricians suggest that this should not be done until the umbilical stump has fallen off. Some important things to remember:

• Prepare all supplies ahead of time
• All supplies should be within reach
• Lay the baby on a soft surface, such as a towel
• Keep your hand or your eye on the baby at all times
• Avoid any risk of the baby falling off a table or counter
• Avoid any rest of the baby following into a sink or container of water
• Never leave a baby unattended
• Babies get cold easily, especially when their wet
• Keep bath time brief and gentle
• If the phone rings, someone comes to the door, your other child screams bloody murder, if the house is on fire, there's an explosion outside the window, etc.--either stay put with your baby or take your baby with you!

What supplies do I need to bathe my newborn?

• A soft surface
• A towel
• A small basin of warm water (water should be warm to the touch against your elbow or wrist)All baby cracks and crevices may be dabbed with a warm, wet washcloth.  Harsh scrubbing won't be necessary.  .
• A mild baby soap
• A mild baby shampoo
• A soft washcloth
• A baby washing tray (optional)

My child is a few months old--what is different with bath time?

Once the umbilical stump has fallen off and your baby is able to regulate her body temperature better, she may have a submersion bath.  Most parents find it easy to bathe a baby in a plastic baby bath or a sink.  The sink may be filled with about 2 inches of warm water and your baby may lie on her back in the water.Babies at this age do not need bath toys.  Allowing her to splash in the water and washing her with a washcloth will be plenty of fun. And remember, never leave the baby unattended.  A baby can drown in an inch of water or less.

Is it safe to wash all my babies parts?

Yes. A baby's skin is more sensitive than an older child's skin.

When should I bathe my child?

The time of day does not matter.  Some babies find bath time very relaxing and want to take a nap afterwards.  Some babies are ready to play after bath time.  You will figure this out with time.

The bath is done...  What next?

Babies get cold very quickly, especially when they are wet.  Wet babies should be dried very quickly.  A baby towel with a hood is a convenient way to cover a baby quickly after bath time.

Safety wrap-up

• Never leave a baby unattended
• Keep all supplies within reach
• Don't let your baby fall off a table or counter
• Don't let your baby fall into a sink or tub of water
• Even 1 inch of water is dangerous if your baby turns face down
• Double check water temperature
• Always check water from the faucet for temperature (it is easy to accidentally turn off the cold water allowing the water to get extremely hot quickly)
• Check your water heater thermostat (a temperature setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less is recommended)

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