Congratulations mommy and daddy on your new arrival. Hygiene is an important aspect of baby care and a daily bath is essential to keep your baby clean and fresh. You can bake a baby anytime but it is advisable to do so before our feet. Bathing your baby too soon after feet can cause your baby to be uncomfortable and spit up milk.
If it is your first time bathing your little one, you will probably feel anxious but with constant practice, you will gain confidence and your baby will get used to bath time and enjoy it. Most babies find warm water soothing and a bath may help a fussy baby to relax and calm down. If you are still new to baby bathing, you may want a spouse to help you.
You will need the following items to bathe your baby:
• A bathtub
• Jug of water
• Cool boiled water
• Cotton wool balls
• Bin or a plastic bag (to contain soil cotton wool balls)
• Face cloth
• Towel
• Bath soap
• Baby clothes
• A diaper
• VBaby wrap (if necessary)
Before you start, do remember to wash your hands with soap and water and ensure that you have all the necessary items. Remember, never leave your baby unattended during bath time.
Preparing the bath
Fill the basin with cold water first, then warm water, up the 1/3 level of the tub. Mix the water well and use the inner part of your forearm to test the temperature of the water. Make sure it is comfortably warm and not too hot. Squeeze two drops of baby soap into the water and mix well. Place your baby on to the bath towel, and gently remove the vest. Talk to your baby so that he feels reassured. Leave his diapers on and wrap them up with the towel, keeping his head and feet wrapped within the towel.
Cleaning a baby's eyes
Dip the cotton ball into the cool boiled water and squeeze out the excess water. Cean your baby's eye by starting from the inner corner of the eye and move outwards. Use a new piece of cotton ball for each eye and him in one stroke. Do not reuse the same piece to clean back and forth. Observe for any sticky or yellowish discharge on your baby's eyes and bring him to the doctor if the discharge persists.
Cleaning your baby's face
Wash your baby's face using cool boil water. You can either use a face cloth or cotton balls dipped in the water. Clean your baby's face from center outwards, making sure you wipe the forehead, the nose, the cheeks and the mouth area.
Washing your baby's hair
Carry your baby using a 'football hold', with the palm of your hands supporting his head and neck, and tucking him between your arm and the side of your body. Tilt his head slightly backwards over the bath basin and wash his hair. Then, dry his head gently with a corner of the towel wrap. Place your baby on the table to unwrap him and remove his diapers. If your baby is soiled, clean his buttocks area with wet wipes. Wash your hands after cleaning if your baby has passed motion. You are now ready to place baby into the tub of water for his bath.
Washing a baby's body
Position your left hand under the baby's shoulder to support it and hook your fingers under the baby's armpit to have a good grasp. Slide your right hand under the buttocks and grip the baby's tie and lift a baby into the bath tub. Allow your baby to sit in the tub with your left hand still supporting a baby's shoulders, while keeping your baby's head above the water level. Release your right hand grip and bathe the babies front and private area with the help of a face cloth. Once done, use your right hand to take over the grip under the baby's armpit and allow him to lean forwards over your right arm while you clean his back and buttocks with your left hand. Talk and sing to your baby as you bathe him to make bath time enjoyable. When you are done, lift him out of the w ater the same way you brought him in. Place your baby gently onto the towel and pat him dry. Pay attention to the skin folds and be sure to dry behind the ears, in between his fingers and toes, under his armpit and private area. Before dressing your baby, be sure to clean the umbilical area. The umbilical cord will drop off in about 5 to 7 days. If you notice any bleeding or foul-smelling discharges, you should re-clean the cord and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
Cleaning your baby's umbilical cord
Wash your hands before cleaning the umbilical cord. Use cotton balls dipped in cool boil water and squeeze dry to clean the base of the cord with one circular motion. Discard the swap after use. Then with a clean swab, clean the sides of the card from the base upwards, each time using a new piece of swab. Clean the cord clamp and the tip of the cord.
Dressing your baby
Do not overdress your baby. Wear clothes that are comfortable for the environment. You may apply baby lotion on your baby before dressing him up but baby powder is not encouraged. Cuddle your baby often to reassure him. Do encourage your spouse to take part in bathing your baby as it is a wonderful opportunity for bonding. With your baby feeling clean, fresh and comfortable, it is time for good feed. Babies usually sleep better after a warm bath too!
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