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Bathing for first-timers
Until your baby's umbilical cord comes
off, you can't immerse her in water
because it prevents the cord from drying
and may increase the risk of infection.
"To sponge-bathe, put your baby
in a reclined position and rub warm,
slightly soapy water on small areas,
patting dry quickly. Many parents prefer
an infant tub, but the kitchen sink
works fine, too," says Brown. Here is
her step-by-step advice for that allimportant
first bath.
Get ready in advance. Set these items
by the tub or sink: two baby towels, a
washcloth, two bowls of warm water
(one soapy, one not), a baby comb,
shampoo, a fresh diaper, and a clean
outfit. Before you begin, make sure to
do the "elbow test" on the water - it
should feel warm, not hot. Place a towel
in the infant tub or sink (you won't be
filling it with water). Put your naked
baby onto the towel in the tub/sink.
Cover all body parts not being actively
cleaned with the towel.
Keep baby comfortable. Expose one
body part at a time (face to toes) and
wash with the washcloth that has been
immersed in the soapy water bowl. For
first-timers, just use water to wash the
face. "Getting soap in your newborn's
eyes might be too traumatic for you,"
warns Brown.
Take the other baby towel and dry
the area that has been cleaned. Move
on to another body part and repeat
the process.
Be thorough. Get into the creases
behind the ears, under the neck, and
under the arms. Shampoo the hair and
rinse with warm water. Dry the head
quickly. To maneuver this, hold the
baby's head in the crook of your elbow
and wash with your other hand. If your
baby has cradle cap (seborrhea),
which is basically baby dandruff, massage
oil - vegetable or baby oil will
work - into the scalp and then wash.
Rinse, and then comb out the flakes
with a baby comb. Do this two to three
times a week, and you should see an
improvement. It eventually goes away
on its own, but for a severe case, consult
your doctor.
Dry and dress. Move your baby from
the towel that is sitting in the tub and
then dry her completely with the other
towel. Diaper and dress your baby.
Clean up your mess later.
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Umbilical Cord and Circumcision Care