Tub Bathing Your Baby

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• You may begin tub bathing your baby once his umbilical (um-BIL-i-kal) cord falls off, and has healed. If you have a baby boy, also wait until his circumcision (erk-kum-SIZH-un) is healed before tub bathing. At first, your baby may cry and kick when he is in a tub. With time, your baby will adjust to having his clothes off, being wet, and bathed. Your child's safety and comfort are important when tub bathing him.
  
  
• For the first six months, bathe your baby in a baby bathtub or clean, plastic basin. Once your baby can sit up without help (around six months), you may bathe him in the family bathtub. Your baby should only need a bath two or three times per week during his first year. Bathing every day may dry out your baby's delicate skin. Good times to bathe your baby are before feedings, naps, or bedtime.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

How do I give my baby a tub bath?

• Choose a room that is warm and free of drafts (cool breezes). To prevent drafts in the room, close the windows and turn off fans.
  
  
• Gather your supplies. Put everything within easy reach so you will not need to leave your baby's side during the bath.
  
  
  • Water basin (baby bathtub or clean, plastic basin or dishpan).
    
    
  • Mild soap and shampoo. Baby soap and shampoo are best to use.
    
    
  • Clean washcloths and towels.
    
    
  • Clean diaper and clothes.
    
    
  • Baby nail clippers.
  
  
• Set your baby's tub inside an adult bathtub or sink. Do not put the tub on a countertop. Once the countertop and your baby get wet, they become slippery. This may cause your baby to fall.
  
  
• Fill your baby's tub with two to three inches of water. You may put a small amount of baby soap in the tub water. Instead, you may use plain water in the tub and put baby soap on the washcloth.
  
  
• Test the water. Drip some of the water onto your wrist or inner arm. It should feel warm, not hot. If you are using a bath thermometer, the water temperature should be 90° F to 100° F (32.3° C to 37.8° C). Keep your household hot water heater temperature set at less than 120° F (48.9° C).
  
  
• Slowly put your baby's body into the water. Support the back of his head and neck with one hand. Hold his bottom (rear end) with your other hand. Once your baby is in the tub, keep his face above the water level at all times. While bathing, support the back of your baby's head and neck with one hand. Use your other hand to wash your baby.
  
  
• Never leave your baby alone while tub bathing him, not even for one minute. Your baby can drown in even a few inches of water. If you must leave the room, wrap your baby in a towel and take him with you.
  
  
• Wash your baby's face first. Use a wet washcloth and no soap. Rinse off the eyelids with fresh water. Use a clean part of the washcloth for each eye. Wipe from the inside of the eyes and out toward the ears. Wash outside and behind each ear. Do not put cotton swabs in your baby's ears. This can hurt your baby's ears. Your baby's head and hair may be washed one or two times a week with baby shampoo. Rinse your baby's head with a washcloth to get rid of all shampoo.
  
  
• Wash the rest of your baby's body. Go down your baby's body carefully washing the skin folds under the neck, arms, and between the legs. Always wash your baby's diaper area (his bottom) last.
  
  
  • For boys, wash their bottom with baby soap or plain water. Be sure to lift the scrotum and wash underneath it. If your baby boy has been circumcised, follow his caregiver's instructions on how to wash the area.
    
    
  • For girls, wash their bottom with plain water. Wipe from front to back.
  
  
• Rinse the soap off well and dry your baby. Soap left on your baby's skin can be irritating. Dress your baby as soon as possible so he does not get too cold.
  
  
• Clip your baby's nails right after his bath. Your baby's nails should be very soft after his bath. Use baby nail clippers, a soft emery board, or rounded-tip toenail scissors. If your baby is too active after the bath, try clipping the nails when your baby is sleeping. Trim your baby's fingernails so that they are short enough that he cannot scratch himself. Your baby's fingernails may grow quickly and need trimming one or two times per week. Your baby's toenails may grow slower and need trimming less often.

What can I do if my baby's skin seems dry? Babies less than one year old usually do not need lotion, oil, or powders for their skin. If your baby has dry patches on his skin, you may rub an unscented baby lotion on the patches. Only use lotion, soaps, and skin care products that are made especially for babies. If you think your baby's skin is too dry, try bathing your baby less often. Bathe him only one or two times each week. Double rinse all towels, bed linens, and baby clothes. This will help get rid of any traces of detergents or perfumes that can irritate baby's skin.

Should I use a bath seat or "supporting ring" to hold my baby in the bathtub? No. If your baby is sitting in one of these and is left in the bathtub by himself, he has a high risk of drowning. Bath seats and rings may tip over easily, especially as a baby becomes more active. Help your baby sit up by himself in an adult tub. Always stay with your baby during his bath.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your baby develops a rash that is spreading or will not go away.
  
  
• Your baby has a birthmark that is getting bigger.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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