Childhood. A very impressive collection of pictures with baby’s first few years of life. First smile, the first tooth, or a baby’s snapshot sitting in a bathtub, with lots of shampoo on his head.
The baby’s first bath is definitely a major moment, both for him and his parents. After birth in the hospital, a skilled nurse carefully will wash the baby for the first few times.
But the first time you will proceed alone may be a scary moment. So here’s a list of important things to remember before you do it:
Plan a special time for this moment (it doesn’t matter the time of day, the baby will adapt) and try to stick with it for the future.
Use the right size of tub, it should have an insert for your baby, so he’s head will be more comfortable. You only need to use a couple of inches of water in the tub, and make sure the water is warm, but not hot. Babies’ skin is very sensitive to heat. You can test with a thermometer.
Make sure you have near you everything you need. Under no circumstances leave your baby alone in the tub! You’ll need water, baby products, washcloth, a bath towel, diapers and fresh clothes.
Be careful with the room temperature, babies lose their body heat quickly. About 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. When you wash your baby’s head, remember not to use adult products. Also, it’s a good idea to wash a newborn’s hair near the end of bath time.
Be gentle when bathing your child. Use a clean, damp washcloth, without soap, to wash her face. Gently wash the outside and back of each ear and wash and dry under her neck. And always support your baby’s head when in the tub.
