Question: What are the proper steps for bathing a newborn?

It’s mandatory in Irish hospitals for midwives to go through the routine of washing a new baby with parents just before they leave, so most of us will have a good idea of what is involved. However, if you were overcome with the excitement of getting your little one back home for the first time, or if you’ve suddenly drawn a blank on just what part follows the other, here is a handy step by step list for making sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible for both baby and parents.

Did you know that for the first few weeks of a baby's life it is advisable to just give them a warm sponge bath with a gentle damp washcloth? However, once the umbilical area heals, you can proceed with giving your newborn a bath in the sink or a small plastic tub designed for bathing babies.

Babies are usually quite uncomfortable with the change in temperature that bathing involves, but you might find that he or she will sleep better afterward. If for this reason you want to give baby a bath on most evenings, it is best not to use gel, shampoo, or lotion more than once a week, as this will dry out their sensitive skin.

1. Spend a few moments to get together all of the necessary bath supplies.  Then, place a soft towel, a fresh nappy, and clean baby clothes or pyjamas on a nearby flat surface.  Tip:  You can make things easier on baby by turning up the central heating a bit and taking the chill out the air if you’re bathing in winter.
2. Add warm water to the tub or sink to about a depth of 3 inches.  Be sure it is not too hot. About 32 degrees Celsius is perfect, and you can test it by dipping your elbow, which is more sensitive than your hand, into the water.
3. Carry your baby over to the bath area and undress them completely. Tip:  If you find your baby cries through every bath, then leave their nappy on the next few times. It seems to give them an added sense of security during an unfamiliar and no doubt alarming process.
4. Slowly place your baby into the tub feet first.  Use one hand to support the baby's back, neck and head.
5. If you’re right handed, use your left to form a ring around your baby’s upper arm near the shoulder with your thumb and middle finger. This will hold them perfectly in place and prevent them from slipping. Using your other hand, wet down your baby's body with your cupped hand or even use a small plastic cup.  Tip:  Pouring the warm bathwater over your baby steadily throughout the bathing process will ensure they don't get too chilled.
6. Be sure that you use a mild soap.  With a soft facecloth, start at the top and work your way down the baby's body.  Gently lean the baby back and then apply water to their hair and scalp in the same manner as their body. Then slowly pour clean water over the baby's head, being very careful not to alarm them or get water or soap in their eyes.  Tip: Did you know babies are born with all the natural oils needed to keep the scalp healthy, so it is not strictly necessary to use shampoo on their hair at this stage?  
7. Rinse your cloth well and then gently cleanse the baby's eyes and face.  Sleep or hardened mucus may have collected in the corners of your baby's eyes or nostrils. Get the cloth nice and wet and then dab at this softly. The water will soften the deposits, and you can wipe them away without any undue irritation or upset.  
8. Ensure you are thorough by paying particular attention to small creases, and behind the ears and under the neck.  These are areas that retain moisture.  Be sure that these areas are clean and dry.
9. It is imperative that you clean the baby's genitals last.  Use a little bit of baby soap and be sure to rinse the area well. Tip: If you are washing a baby girl always wash from front to back to prevent any sort of infection.
10. Rinse your baby thoroughly with lots of warm clean water.
11. Very carefully lift your clean baby out of the tub or sink.  Use one hand to support their little neck and head and the other hand to support their bottom end.  Tip:  Babies are very slippery when they are wet, so it is a good idea to keep your fingers wrapped around one thigh or the upper arm to ensure they don't slip out of your grasp.
12. Now you can wrap your clean beautiful baby in a hooded towel and pat them dry.   

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy