Baby's first bath

It can be difficult to know to bathe your baby properly because there are so many safety factors to consider. Many babies may cry or shake when being bathed, due to the unfamiliar sensation of being wet, cold and naked and this can make parents feel like they are causing their babies distress but bathing your baby is an essential part of baby care and grooming.

You should give your newborn sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump has fallen out but once it has you can introduce baths as a time for play, baby massage and skin to skin contact with your baby, similar to breastfeeding, as well as keeping your baby clean. You only need to bathe your newborn once a day at most and often you can give her a sponge bath on alternate days as long as the genital areas are cleaned thoroughly after each nappy change. This is because too many baths with tap water will dry out the natural oils in a baby’s skin, especially babies with eczema and other baby skin conditions.

Some babies like baths and others don’t but here are some general rules for bathing babies, from newborns to toddlers:

• Make sure the room has no draughts from open windows, especially in winter.
• Assemble all the things you will need including a soft towel, washcloth, baby bath care products, and clothes and a nappy to redress your baby in as soon as they are dry. Only use bath products such as pH neutral and hypoallergenic cleansers, soaps, moisturisers and baby oils that are made specifically for babies and as free of chemicals and additives as possible. Don’t use baby shampoo before six months of age, as your baby’s hair doesn’t secrete any oils before this time.
• Fill the bath tub with water - for babies up to six months of age, approximately 5cm of water can be in the tub, and for children over six months anywhere between 10 and 13cm is okay. Never put your baby into a bath while the water is still running and be sure to run cold water through the tap last to ensure there is no chance of your baby being scalded. Cover faucets on taps with a rubber cap to ensure no hot water drips in.
• Test the water temperature with your elbow or wrist – it should be warm, between 36-37 degrees Celsius, although baths can be a little cooler in summer.
• Before putting your baby in the tub, dampen a clean washcloth to wipe your baby’s eyelids very gently before washing her face with the clean water in the tub, and then drying it.
• Cradle your baby’s head with one arm, supporting it and her neck as you lower her into the baby bath, feet first, and then onto her back so her head is slightly submerged. Gently splash some water onto her head and through her hair. Until a baby can sit unsupported (between six and nine months) you should always hold her tightly, even if there is a baby sling or seat in the tub.
• Wash her torso and arms next, followed by the genitals and bottom last.
•  Minimise body heat loss after a bath by wrapping her in a hooded towel that covers her head as soon as you lift her out of the water.
• Pat your baby dry, including in the skin creases in the armpits, groin, under the chin, around the neck and knees and behind the ears. If your baby has dry skin or nappy rash you can apply a light layer of lotion before putting on her nappy, followed by the rest of her clothes.
• Never leave a baby unattended while bathing them for any period of time, even if they are in a baby sling or chair – babies can drown in only a centimetre of water.