So, you're a first-time parent. You've read all the books, done all the research, and you think you're ready for anything...until you have to give your newborn baby their first bath.
Suddenly, all your carefully laid plans go out the window and you're left feeling panicked and unsure.
Have no fear!
This blog post will talk you through everything you need to know about bathing your precious bundle of joy—without breaking them, of course.
Step One: Gather Your Supplies
Before you even attempt to bathe your baby, it's important that you have everything you need within arm's reach. You'll need a baby bathtub or sink insert, a washcloth, mild baby soap, a soft towel, and—most importantly—a helper. Having someone else there to assist you will make the whole process much less stressful. Trust us on this one.
Fill Up the Tub (Or Sink) and Test the Water Temperature
While running a hot bath might sound relaxing for you, it's definitely not the best idea for your baby. They have sensitive skin that can easily become dried out or irritated by water that's too hot.
Instead, fill up the tub with lukewarm water—you should be able to comfortably stick your elbow in it without it being too hot or too cold.
Once the tub is filled, use a bath thermometer to test the water temperature one more time just to be sure.
Undress Your Baby and Place Them Gently in the Tub
Once you're sure the water is just right, it's time to undress your baby. Gently remove their clothing and diaper—being careful not to wake them if they're asleep—and lower them into the tub feet first.
The reason for this is that babies startle easily and could slip under the water if they're placed in headfirst. By going feet first, you can avoid any accidents.
Wash Their Hair and Body
Now that your baby is safely in the tub, it's time to start washing them off. Use the washcloth to gently clean their face—being careful not to get water in their eyes—and then move on to their hair.
Shampooing their hair can be a bit tricky, so be sure to pour a small amount of shampoo into your hand first before applying it to their head. Once their hair is clean, move on to washing their body using gentle circular motions with the washcloth.
If you find that your baby is getting fussy during bath time, try singing or talking to them in a comforting voice. This will help them relax and enjoy the experience more. Just be sure not to take your eyes off of them for even a second!
Rinse Them Off Thoroughly
Once you've given your baby a good wash, it's important that you rinse them off completely before wrapping them up in a towel. Any soap that's left on their skin can cause irritation, so be sure to rinse them off until the washcloth runs clear when dipped in the water.
Wrap Them Up Tight (in a Towel)
Congratulations! You've made it through bath time without any injuries or accidents. The last step is simply to dry off your baby with a soft towel before getting them dressed again in clean clothes.
And that's it!
Now that wasn't so bad, was it?
With these easy-to-follow steps, bath time will be a breeze…or at least as close to one as possible when dealing with babies!
Bath time doesn't have to be stressful! With these simple steps, you'll have your newborn clean in no time...without breaking them, of course.
