How to bath a baby properly?

Baby’s bath is a major event in the daily program, both for mother and child. It should be a pleasant occasion with a minimum of fuss and bustle.

The following suggestions are intended to simplify the procedure and, at the same time, ensure the best interests of both parties:

• Give the bath in the baby’s room, the kitchen, or the bathroom.

• Put a portable baby bathtub on the table or place a rectangular plastic dishpan in the kitchen sink. Thus the mother does not have to kneel on the bathroom floor while keeping the baby from drowning in the low, adult-sized tub.

• Fill the baby’s tub with water that feels warm to the skin of the mother’s elbow – about the same temperature as any adult would prefer for a bath tub.

• Have the room temperature at about 70°F. (21°C)

• Undress the baby quickly and place him at once in the warm water.

• Support the baby’s head with one hand while washing his entire body gently and thoroughly with a mild soap on a soft washcloth held in the other hand.

• Avoid using small cotton swabs for the child’s ears, nose and eyes. Their use is dangerous.

• On removing the baby from the bath, wrap him loosely in a large bath towel and place baby and towel on a small blanket while you dry his skin gently.

• Use oil or lotion only in places where the skin is peeling and cracked.

• Powder, when used, should be unscented.

• Dress the baby quickly while he is held within the folds of the blanket.