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Bathing your Baby

Some new babies love their bath more than others, though most enjoy it as they grow older. The first bath or two can seem a bit of a trial, but you will soon be a dab hand. Here are some bath time tips:

• Bath time checklist
• The umbilical cord
• Baby nails
• Genital area
• Topping and tailing
• Safety first
• Making things easier

Bath time checklist
Your midwife will be able to show you how to give your baby his first bath. When you feel ready to try on your own, follow our 10 simple steps.

1. Make sure the room is warm and that you’re not in a rush, or likely to be interrupted. Choose a time when your baby isn’t too hungry or too tired, then bath time can be more enjoyable.
2. Fill the baby bath with about 10 centimetres (four inches) of water at about 36°C (96°F). It should feel warm but not hot to your skin. Check by dipping your elbow in it. Collect everything else you will need:
3. Two warm, dry towels.
4. Clean nappy.
5. Sponge or a flannel.
6. A ph neutral baby soap, when needed.
7. If your baby has a tendency to dry skin, there is no need to use soap. Water alone will do the job of cleaning your baby in the first few weeks.
8. Undress your baby but keep his nappy on. Wrap him in a warm towel, folded over at the back so you can easily cover his head with it afterwards.
9. You can wash your baby’s hair now. Tuck him under your arm and support his head with your hand. Hold him face-upwards over the bath. Tip your baby downwards slightly so that the water won’t run into his eyes. Using your other hand, pour some water over his hair and massage this in. Rinse your baby’s hair with the warm water. Pat his head dry with a warm towel.
10. Unwrap the towel covering your baby, remove his nappy and put the towel nearby. You will need it to wrap him in when he comes out of the bath. Place one arm under your baby’s back, so that his head and back rest against the bend of your elbow, and your hand has a firm grip on the arm furthest away from you. Then use your free hand to support your baby’s legs and bottom while you lift him into the bath.
11. Wash him and sprinkle water over him to keep him warm so that he can enjoy the sensation.
12. Rinse him well with the sponge or flannel to get rid of all the soapy bits.
13. Lift him out of the bath onto the towel on your lap and wrap him up to keep him warm.
14. Pat your baby dry and then dress him. Put him somewhere safe while you sort out the bath things.

The umbilical cord
Keep this area clean and dry. Many newborn disposable nappies have a shaped cut-out area to leave the cord stump free, so that it gets some fresh air. It may take seven to 10 days before the stump dries up and drops off. The stump will leave a small wound that may take a few days to heal. Stumps used to be cleaned with antiseptic tissues and dusted with powder. Now it is generally thought best to leave the cord to heal by itself. If you notice that the cord stump is bleeding or has a discharge from it, let your midwife know.

Baby nails
Some babies are born with very long nails, and sometimes scratch their faces with them. Try using baby nail scissors with specially rounded blades to trim your baby’s nails while he is asleep. It’s much easier than trying to hold his hand still. You can also nibble the ends of the nails off with your teeth. Your mouth is very sensitive so you will know when you have nail and when you have tiny baby finger between your teeth!

Genital area
Wipe a baby girl from front to back to avoid transferring any bacteria from her anus to her vagina. NEVER pull back the foreskin on a baby boy. This will not separate from the penis for months.

Topping and tailing
To ‘top and tail’ your baby means that you clean only the bits that need it! You wash your baby’s face neck and hands, paying particular attention to the creases around the neck where sweat can gather. Then put clothes on his top half, wash his bottom and change his nappy. You can do this every day rather than bathing him.

Safety first
Follow these tips for bath time safety:

• Have everything you need ready to hand before you begin.
• Always put cold water in the bath first.
• Make sure that hot and cold water are thoroughly mixed before testing the temperature.
• Use your elbow - never your fingers - to check that the water is not too hot.
• A bath thermometer should not read more than 36°C (96°F)
• The water should be about 10 centimetres (four inches) deep
• Never leave your baby alone in the bath. A small baby can drown in a few inches of water
• If the telephone or doorbell rings, ignore it, or take your baby with you, wrapped in a thick towel.

Make things easier by…

• Using a bath support; made of foam or fabric to hold your baby at an angle in the water so you have both hands free
• Bathing your baby when your partner/relative/friend is around if possible. It’s much easier if someone else can hand you things.

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