Your baby doesn’t need a tub bath every day. A gentle wash of your baby’s face, hands and bottom is all that is needed, on a daily basis.
Next are some tips for the bathing care of your baby.
Bathing
Many new parents are anxious about their baby’s bath time. While some babies love the water, others don’t. Talking calmly to your baby will reassure your baby that all is well. As you and your baby get to know each other, bath time will be more enjoyable.
Please note:
- The temperature of the bath water should be comfortably warm. Check the temperature with your wrist or elbow.
- Do not use mineral oil in the bath water as it will make your baby too slippery to handle safely. If your baby’s skin is dry, apply a small amount of mineral or vegetable oil after the bath.
- Lotions and powders can irritate your baby’s skin. Powder can also cause choking and breathing difficulties for your baby.
- Do not use a cotton-tipped applicator (for example, Q-Tips®) inside your baby’s ears as they can hurt the eardrum.
- Have everything you need within easy reach before you start to bath your baby. Open the caps on bottles before starting the bath, or transfer to a reuseable pump.
Never leave your baby alone at bath time, even for a second!