Tub Bathing new born baby

Being a new parent, its so exciting especially when its time to start bathing baby. Sometimes theres confusion from where to begin and how to get things prepared. Its your first time and you could be slighty nervous but you don't need to worry, come ill guide you!

Handling a soapy and slippery baby can be a task at times, but just hold on tightly and firmly and as you keep talking and maintaining eye contact with baby, soon bathing time will be enjoyable for you and your baby. This is wonderful time for bonding with your baby, playing with the baby and of course hygiene.. as the touch of your hand and your so familiar voice will help baby get reassurance that baby is connected with you.

You don't need to give new Born's a bath daily unless you want to do it for the pleasure and to spend time with him.. except when you may want to wash off the dirty mucky areas so baby can stay clean. Summer months are hot and humidity levels are high, so bathing in lukewarm water may help cool him down and relieve him from the sweaty atmosphere.Avoid the use cold of water and use lukewarm water instead to bathe your baby, even in summer.

DONT use soaps meant for adults, but only mild baby soaps, as the harsh soaps could damage the tender skin of baby.The same goes for shampoos.. If you have no idea, consult your doctor or elders for advice.

Tub bathing and a proper bath
Before you start bathing baby in tub, get all the necessary accessories that you need like a tub, water(warm and cold to adjust), a small soft baby towel, baby soap, baby shampoo, a baby comb, cotton wool, baby powder or lotion, a fresh set of diapers and clothes. Make sure that the room is warm, put off all sorts of noises, music and your cell phone. There should be no disturbance while bathing baby, not even the door bell.

How to give baby a bath
First thing you do is to Wash your hands. Gather all the necessary bath accessories near you, but away from baby's reach.

The bath water should be comfortably warm(not hot). Adjust with cool water if you need to.

For newborns, fill the bath tub with about five inches of water, or enough to allow your baby to settle in the water with his shoulders well covered.

Undress baby near the bath area and slip his feet into the water first, using one hand to support his neck and head.

As you soap baby, use the same hand or a wash cloth or sponge to wash of the areas with water. Wash his scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. You can use moistened cotton wool to clean off the dried mucus in the corners of your baby's nostrils or eyes, dab it several times with a small section to soften it before you wipe it out.

Now rinse your baby thoroughly with a clean wash cloth or use your cupped hand to pour water on his body, only from below the neck. Use a wet cloth to wash baby's face but don't pour water directly.

After you have cleaned and washing him thoroughly, lift him out of the bath gently but firmly with one hand supporting his neck and head. Use the other hand to support his bottom.

Wrap your baby in a towel and pat him dry and then apply a mild moisturising lotion baby's dry skin areas(only if you need to). Check with your doctor before using any lotions.

Dab on some talcum powder on baby's body but make sure the areas are towel dried well. Gently dab near his face to avoid the powder from getting into contact with his mouth and eyes.

After you have powdered baby, dress him immediately into his diapers and clothes. Then cuddle him gently in your arms and talk and sing to him while you give him a feed and your baby will fall off to a sound slumber. Lay him down in a safe and warm place.