When you are bathing a baby, there are some key safety rules to keep in mind:
By following these safety tips, you can help make sure that your baby has a safe and enjoyable bath time
Baby bathtubs are a safe and convenient option for bathing your newborn. They provide support and help prevent your baby from slipping.
You can use a regular bathtub to bathe your baby, but you will need to take some safety precautions. It is safest to use a baby bath until your baby can sit up by themselves. Make sure the tub is clean and free of any sharp objects. Fill the tub with enough warm water to cover baby's legs when they are sitting, and use a baby bath thermometer to check the temperature. If the bath is too full it becomes a drowning risk, so keep it shallow until your baby becomes a toddler (unless you're getting in with baby for some good clean bonding time). Add a non-slip bath mat to the bottom of your bathtub, this will help your baby avoid slipping and dunking themselves under the water.
You can bathe your newborn as often as you like, but it is not necessary to bathe them every day. Every other day or every three days is fine. When you do bathe your baby, make sure the water is warm and the room is well-ventilated.
Some good bath toys for babies include: rubber duckies, washcloth puppets, stacking cups, and soft toys that squirt water. These toys will help make bath time fun for your baby and help develop their fine motor skills.
The best way to dry a wet baby is to wrap them in a hooded towel. This will help keep them warm and prevent them from getting a chill. Gently pat their skin dry with the towel, avoiding any rubbing. Baby's skin is delicate so be sure to handle them gently.
To clean a baby's head without water getting in their ears and eyes, use a washcloth soaked in warm water. Gently wipe the cloth over your baby's forehead, being careful not to get any water in their eyes or ears. You can also use a hair rinser. They make it easy to direct water when rinsing your baby's hair so you can avoid getting water in baby's ears, eyes and mouth.
It is not necessary to put lotion on your baby after a bath, but you can if you like. Baby lotion will help keep your baby's skin hydrated and help prevent dryness. Choose a lotion that is unscented and hypoallergenic, and apply it to your baby's skin while it is still damp so baby's skin can absorb the lotion easier.