Bathing Your BabyParents often feel apprehensive about bathing their newborn babies. For the first couple of weeks, until the umbilical stump falls off, a sponge bath will do. Parents can use this time to become more comfortable with handling their baby, before making the transition to tub baths. It is recommended that a newborn be bathed approximately two or three times a week.
Sponge Bathing
What you’ll need:
change pad
small basin of warm water
washcloth or natural sea foam sponge
mild baby soap (We recommend Druid baby products)
damp cotton balls
2 towels
1 blanket
1. Make sure the room is comfortably warm.
2. Put down a change pad and cover with a towel.
3. Remove any jewelry and trim long nails to avoid scratching the baby.
4. Lay baby down and cover her with the blanket to keep warm.
5. Start with her face. Use moistened cotton balls (no soap) to wipe baby’s eyes and clean around her mouth and nose. Pat dry.
6. Wash the rest of the body, one body part at a time with soap, saving the diaper area for last.
7. Make sure you clean crevices, such as between fingers and toes, behind the ears, under the chin and arms, and around the genitals. (Note: Ears are self-cleaning. Never put anything inside your baby’s ear.)
8. Rinse with warm water.
Tub Time
After your newborn’s umbilical stump has fallen off and healed, it is time to wash your baby in the tub. Your baby is not ready to use the big tub, so you can use a sink or a baby tub.
What you’ll need:
small plastic cup or pitcher
washcloth
mild baby soap (We recommend Druid baby products)
gentle shampoo (wash hair once a week)
2 towels
1. Make sure the room is comfortably warm.
2. Remove any jewelry and trim long nails to avoid scratching the baby.
3. Use the cup to fill tub with 3 inches of warm water.
4. Support baby’s head and neck and gently place her into the tub.
5. Gently wash baby’s face with wet washcloth (water only).
6. Lather baby’s body with soap and rinse.
7. Use the cup to continually pour warm water over baby to keep her warm.
8. Wash hair with gentle shampoo. Rinse with cup.
9. Wrap baby in a warm towel and pat dry. Use baby lotion or protective oil to ensure her skin stays supple and moisturized.
Safety Reminders
- When testing the water temperature, use your elbow or the inside of your wrist. The water should be warm, not hot.
- Never place your baby under a running faucet.
- Always hold your newborn baby when she is being bathed.
- Never leave your baby in the care of another child while in the bathtub.
- Avoid asking babysitters to bathe your newborn baby.
- Use non-slip mats in bathtub and on the bathroom floor.
*Health Canada does not recommend the use of bath rings or bath seats for infants and toddlers. Click here for more information.
-- Sarah Simpson
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