BATHING YOUR BABY

Bath time is more than just a time to clean your baby. This time can also be a special time for you and your baby to enjoy each other's company. A bath at bedtime can relax your baby and help lead to sleep. It is also a good time to check him/her for any new marks or rashes.

Preparation
Gather all the things you will need before you start giving the bath so you will not have to leave your baby. Such As:

1.Two towels (in case of accidents)
2. Cotton wool
3. A baby sponge, if used
4. Baby bath liquid or soap, if used
5. Baby shampoo, if used
6. Jug of luke-warm water, if shampooing
7. A clean diaper
8. Nappy cream, if used
9. Clean clothes

Important Instructions:
1. Never leave your baby alone in the tub. If you have to go to answer the phone or doorbell rings and you must answer it, wrap your baby in a towel and take him/her with you.

2. Keep the room temperature 75-80°F (24-27°C) to keep the baby from chilling. Try running the shower for a few minutes first to warm the bathroom. Turn off the shower before you start your baby's bath.

3. The water should not be too hot or too cold. Maintain proper water temperature. You can test the water by putting your wrist or elbow in the water. It should feel comfortably warm.

4. Always keep a firm hold on the baby after lathering. Soapy bodies are slippery.

5. Allow plenty of time for the bath and don't do things in a hurry.

Giving your baby a sponge bath
1. First and foremost before undressing your baby gather all the essential supplies for the bath. Cover your baby with a blanket and expose only the body part that you are washing. This will help keep your baby warm.

2. For cleaning the face use a washcloth moistened with clear water. Start at the inner corner of the eye and wash toward the ear. There is no need to use soap on a baby's face.

3. For cleaning the ears wash the outer ear and behind the ears. Never put anything into the ears to clean them.

4. You need not wash your baby's hair everyday. Washing it 2-3 times in a week is sufficient.

5. Sponge arms, legs, trunk and back. Be careful to wash all the creases and then thoroughly pat dry.

6. For cleaning the vaginal areas of girls be sure that you wash it back to front.

7. Before putting on the diaper completely dry the baby.

Giving your baby a tub bath
1. Gather all of your supplies before filling the tub and undressing your baby.

2. Fill the tub with 3 inches of water. Never run water with your baby in the tub as changes in water temperature can happen quickly. Also check the temperature of the water and see to it that it is comfortable. Do not add soap or bubble bath to the water. This can dry your baby's skin.

3. Slowly place your baby into the tub. Always support your baby's head and shoulders with your forearm, and grasp his shoulder and upper arm with the same hand. Support his bottom with the other hand until he is touching the bottom of the bath, and then use this free hand to swish water gently over his body. There is no need to scrub your baby with a sponge or flannel. The idea at this stage is to get him used to the sensation of being in the water, and to help him to relax.

4. Gently cleansing your baby's eyes, ears, nose, face and neck creases, using lukewarm water with a fresh piece of cotton wool for each area.

5. After a few minutes, lift him out of the water, holding him firmly, as his skin will be very slippery. Wrap him snugly in his towel, and lay him on the changing mat, then pat him dry, paying particular attention to skin creases in the neck, arms and legs. If you're using nappy rash cream, apply it now, then put on a clean nappy and dress him.

Washing Your Baby's Hair
1. It is not necessary to wash your baby's hair daily. 2-3 times in a week is sufficient.

2. It's not really necessary to use shampoo until your baby has a fair amount of hair, but if you need to use one, choose a gentle product specially designed for babies.

3. Before putting your baby in the bath wrap him up in a towel with his arms tucked inside. Hold him firmly under one arm, supporting his head with the same hand. Hold him over the bath, tipping him down slightly to avoid the water going in his eyes. Pour a little water to wet his hair.

4. Squeeze a small, pea-sized amount of the shampoo on to the crown of his head and message it gently over his hair.

5. Using a jug of lukewarm water, pour it over the back of his head until all the shampoo has gone.