Giving Your Baby a Bath

First let us begin by reminding you that until the umbilical cord has fallen off and healed completely, you should only be using a damp washcloth and warm water to clean your baby. You may use a mild soap such as the baby bath products or Dove bar if your baby has a dirty diaper area. Once you are ready to give your baby a bath, here are a few tips. Make sure the room is warm and there is not any direct airflow (ie. A vent blowing down on the baby). The water should be slightly warm to touch but not hot. It is best to use a bathtub designed for babies which keeps the baby at a slight angle so as to keep the head out of the water.

Wash your baby with a soft cloth and water. It is not necessary to use baby soap on a newborn and may cause irritation to his sensitive skin. When washing the hair, use a gentle baby shampoo and brush the scalp gently with a soft bristle baby brush to help remove any scaly plaques (cradle cap) that may be present. Rinse the head with warm water from front to back, being careful not to allow the water to run down over the baby’s face. A hand placed on the forehead helps with this. Be sure to wrap your baby in a soft, dry towel immediately after removing him from the water to prevent him from becoming cold.

Bath time should be enjoyable for both parents and babies. Typically, babies should have a bath every 2-3 days. Bathing too frequently can dry the skin and cause irritation.