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Bathing A
Newborn
Baby
Do you want your baby handed to
you immediately after the birth or
should he be cleaned first? In recent years most
were
wiped down with a towel
immediately after birth before mum or dad got a chance to hold them.
Nowadays choice is the keyword! It's your decision.
Research shows that the greasy film covering your baby, vernix, is a
wonderful source of moisture for your baby's delicate skin. And if you
don't wipe it off, it is reabsorbed. So your baby will be less likely
to develop dry skin patches. Pre-term
have
much more of this
protective layer than full-term babies.
In the womb your baby is submerged in amniotic fluid, so vernix is
absolutely necessary for providing waterproof protection. After birth,
however, mother nature may need a helping hand!
Returning home can be daunting for new parents. Giving baby his first
bath can be terrifying!
Your baby does not need a special bath although many parents are well
tooled up for the new arrival. A clean sink or the big bath will
suffice!
Probably the main worry for parents is getting the water temperature
correct. After ensuring you have all baby's bits and bobs at hand, such
as a changing mat, towel, fresh nappy, vest and clean clothes, place
the baby in a safe place.
Run cold water into the bath first.
Top it up with hot water. Swirl the water around to avoid hot spots.
Dip your elbow into the water to check the temperature. It should be
lukewarm. As the skin on your elbow is very
sensitive it is a reliable way to test the water.
If you like you can add a little moisturising, hypoallergenic, baby
bubble bath. Swirl it around with your fingers. Young
do
not need bubbles to play
with!
Undress and wrap baby in a warm towel. Holding him over the bath, cup
some bath water in your free hand and gently run it over his head.
Shampoo is not necessary for very tiny
as
it can irritate their scalp.
Dry the baby's head thoroughly. Babies lose a lot of heat through their
heads. Wet heads lose more heat.
Placing baby's neck in the crook of your elbow, and your hand holding
the back of one of his legs, gently lower him into the water. (TIP If
you are right-handed it is easier to place
neck
in the crook of your left
elbow. Holding his left leg with your left hand, wash him with your
right hand. The reverse is the case if you are left-handed.)
Some
hate
being bathed but many
really enjoy it. He may become so relaxed that he falls asleep!
Cupping some water in your free hand gently trickle it over his body.
Your do not need to rub or scrub as
do
not get dirty. They just
need to be freshened up!
Be careful as he will get very slippery once he is wet!
Only keep baby in the bath for a short time as he will get cold quickly
and never leave your baby unattended in the bath for even the shortest
space of time.
Lift him out and wrap him up in his warm towel.
Quickly dry him and place a fresh nappy on him before he has any little
accidents!
Finally, give him a big cuddle and dress him quickly...
And there you have it - baby's first bath!
Sinead
Hoben is the proud mum of three beautiful children aged 6 years, 3
years and 9 months old, all of whom were breastfed. She is currently
still breastfeeding her youngest child. A qualified teacher, she now
runs her own website, www.breastfeedingmums.com, which
addresses many of the concerns of breastfeeding mums.
www.breastfeedingmums.com offers free breastfeeding information and
advice to both breastfeeding and expectant mums.
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