Bathing baby: Your safety checklist
Bathing baby: Your safety checklist
by Lisa Schulman
Prior to baby's bath, have bathing supplies, clothes and towels already assembled, and keep the phone within arm's reach.
Never leave the room for any reason while giving your baby a bath.
Realize that the first few baths will be challenging, but they will get easier!
When bathing baby, keep the room warm and draft-free.
Make sure your hot water heater is set lower than 120 degrees. Always test bathwater temperature on the inside of your wrist.
Newborns need to be bathed only every three days or so.
Until the circumcision is healed and the umbilical cord falls off, newborns should be given only sponge baths.
If the cord gets wet by mistake, dab rubbing alcohol on it after the bath.
For small babies, use a towel in the bottom of the sink or tub so he or she doesn't slip.
Avoid strong soaps and shampoos made for adults.
Never use soap products on baby's face.
Place a washcloth that's been wetted with warm water over baby's stomach to keep him warm.
Always start with the face and end with the hair. A great deal of body heat is lost through the head so this area should be saved for last.
Wash baby's bottom from front to back.
Don't use Q-tips when washing a baby. Sudden movements could cause accidents.
Don't clean the insides of baby's ears.
Babies don't like their faces covered, so use a washcloth to clean one area of the face at a time.
To wipe eyes, start near the nose and wipe outward.
Most newborns don't like being naked. Cover each body part before and after washing to keep baby warm.
When the sponge bath is complete and you are ready to shampoo, wrap baby in a towel and hold him or her in your arms like a football. Gently tip his or her head back a bit. Use a warm, wet washcloth to dampen hair. Wash hair and rinse out carefully.
Wash hair more frequently if your baby develops 'cradle cap,' a scaly, yellow buildup on the scalp.
To 'cure' cradle cap, rub baby oil into the scalp and let sit for half an hour. Wash hair with shampoo, using a brush to lather up, and then remove scales with a comb. Wash one more time.
Cover baby's head with a towel as soon as you are done washing the hair.
Do not use lotion, oils or baby powders. Powders, in particular, can be dangerous to a baby.
by Lisa Schulman
Prior to baby's bath, have bathing supplies, clothes and towels already assembled, and keep the phone within arm's reach.
Never leave the room for any reason while giving your baby a bath.
Realize that the first few baths will be challenging, but they will get easier!
When bathing baby, keep the room warm and draft-free.
Make sure your hot water heater is set lower than 120 degrees. Always test bathwater temperature on the inside of your wrist.
Newborns need to be bathed only every three days or so.
Until the circumcision is healed and the umbilical cord falls off, newborns should be given only sponge baths.
If the cord gets wet by mistake, dab rubbing alcohol on it after the bath.
For small babies, use a towel in the bottom of the sink or tub so he or she doesn't slip.
Avoid strong soaps and shampoos made for adults.
Never use soap products on baby's face.
Place a washcloth that's been wetted with warm water over baby's stomach to keep him warm.
Always start with the face and end with the hair. A great deal of body heat is lost through the head so this area should be saved for last.
Wash baby's bottom from front to back.
Don't use Q-tips when washing a baby. Sudden movements could cause accidents.
Don't clean the insides of baby's ears.
Babies don't like their faces covered, so use a washcloth to clean one area of the face at a time.
To wipe eyes, start near the nose and wipe outward.
Most newborns don't like being naked. Cover each body part before and after washing to keep baby warm.
When the sponge bath is complete and you are ready to shampoo, wrap baby in a towel and hold him or her in your arms like a football. Gently tip his or her head back a bit. Use a warm, wet washcloth to dampen hair. Wash hair and rinse out carefully.
Wash hair more frequently if your baby develops 'cradle cap,' a scaly, yellow buildup on the scalp.
To 'cure' cradle cap, rub baby oil into the scalp and let sit for half an hour. Wash hair with shampoo, using a brush to lather up, and then remove scales with a comb. Wash one more time.
Cover baby's head with a towel as soon as you are done washing the hair.
Do not use lotion, oils or baby powders. Powders, in particular, can be dangerous to a baby.
