Bathing is an easy task – or so we think – especially when it has to do with bathing as an adult. But a first-time parent may have no clue how to keep their bundle of joy clean without causing any troubles for their baby.
Questions like
How often should I bathe my baby?
What bathing soaps are safe for newborns?
How long should baby bath time be?
How do I know the proper water temperature?
And a host of other questions are valid concerns that, when answered accurately, can prevent a literal scenario of throwing the bathwater with the baby in it –all pun intended.
To avoid problematic bath time scenarios and get knowledgeable about something as “simple” as bathing your child, follow these few tips to be discussed right now, on the following line:
- Nothing abrasive
Your baby’s skin is tender and soft and should be attended to in an equally delicate and gentle manner. For example, use only a soft sponge or soft baby-friendly washcloth for bathing your child.
- Warm water over anything
Not scalding hot and not chilling cold, but warm water. They are not ready for the two extremities in temperatures, and you can place a warm wet washcloth over their stomachs during bath time to keep the cold out of their little lungs.
- Not so often
To keep your baby from catching a cold, and since they are not prone to accumulating dirt and sweat on their skins just yet, you should bathe your newborn baby only 2 to 3 times a week.
- Shallow water
Do not fill the tub with water. Keep the water very shallow and never dip your child in it as newborns can drown even in the most shallow f waters. Also, ensure you have a firm but gentle grip on your child so they do not slip into the bath.
- Not a Jacuzzi
The time for bathing in regular bathtubs will come. But, for now, bath your baby in a plastic tub, sink, or lined with a towel for extra padding.
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POSTED IN: REMEMBERING. TAGGED: BABY BATH, BATHING, BATHTIME, CORAL VON ZUMWALT, PARENTING