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How to bath your baby

Advice on how to bath your baby, safe water temperature and what you will need to make baby-bathing easier, plus the opportunity to purchase baby baths, bath seats and accessories.


Discuss how to bath your baby on our forums, right now! Or, post a comment below.

How to bath your baby and what you will need to make baby-bathing easier:
  • Get together everything you may need to bath your baby.


  • Fill the baby bath, washing up bowl, or family bath with 2 to 3 inches or 5 to 7.5 centimetres of water so that it feels warm but not hot, approx 90 degrees F (32 degrees C). You can purchase bath thermometers to ensure the water is not too hot.


  • Take your baby to the bathroom or place you have chosen to bath him and undress your baby, only when the bath water is completely ready. You may decide to bath a small baby in the room where he sleeps to develop a routine, or if you have older children to bath your children all together.


  • Gradually put your baby into the bath, using one hand to support his neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over him regularly during the bath so he doesn't get too cold.


  • Use soap sparingly, as it dries your baby's skin. Wash your baby with your hand, a flannel or a sponge from top to bottom, front to back.


  • Wash your baby's scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. You will only need to wash your baby's hair with shampoo once a week.


  • Use moistened cotton wool to clean your baby's eyes and face. One piece for each eye and another for his face. If dried mucus has collected in the corner of your baby's nostrils or eyes, dab it several times with a small section of a moistened cotton wool to soften it before you wipe it out.


  • A routine wash of your baby's genitals is all that is needed. For girls, be sure to wash the area from front to back, being careful to gently clean between the folds of skin. Simply wash a boy's penis with soap and water.


  • Rinse your baby thoroughly with a clean flannel or sponge.


  • Wrap your baby in a towel and pat him dry.


  • If your baby's skin is dry, or if he has nappy rash, you may want to apply a mild lotion after his bath.

Your Comments

We would love to hear your comments or views on this subject. If you would like to ask a question or start a discussion, please post a topic in our Nappies, Changing and Potty Training forum.
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Great article. I had a major fear of bathing my baby after she was born. We tried a wonderful new product that is incredibly simple and works amazingly well. They help to have a great grip on your baby while bathing. My husband uses them too when he showers with our baby. It's called Palm-Palms baby bath grips.
added by RSBMD [Mon 7th Jul 2008 @ 09:04:39]
SPLASH WHO GOT WET
added by mns14 [Mon 29th Oct 2007 @ 08:35:35]
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