Bathing your Baby
An Infant Care Guide
Sponge Baths
Newborns have VERY DELICATE skin!
- Newborns should be given sponge baths for the first week (or two)
- Be sure to use a gentle washcloth and warm water
- Make sure to use gentle cleansing soap that is dye-free and fragrance-free... Soaps containing these chemicals can cause skin irritation and dryness
- Be sure to wash your newborn's face and hands often
- Clean your newborn's genital area well after each diaper change
Tub Baths
You may begin to bathe your baby in a tub after the remaining umbilical cord falls off and the area is completely healed.
- Use a kitchen/bathroom sink or plastic baby tub filled with warm water to bathe your baby in versus a standard sized tub
- Bathe your baby no more than 3 times per week for the first year to avoid drying out his or her skin
- It should only take you about five minutes to bathe your baby- the longer the bath, the cooler the water will get (cool water may be unpleasant for your baby)
Tub Safety
NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY ALONE!
- Babies can drown in an inch (or less!) of water
- It only takes a few seconds for something bad to happen while your baby is left unattended
- If you absolutely need to leave to do something, wrap your baby in a towel and bring him or her with you
Do not put your baby in a tub while the water is running.
- The water may become too deep or too hot very quickly
Preset the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Children can easily get third-degree burns if the water is too hot (140 degrees Fahrenheit)
Don't be scared!
- Stay calm while bathing your baby
- Maintain a good grip on him or her