It is our feeling that even though some parents bath their babies every day every other day is fine, until
yours is crawling around and getting into things, a daily bath isn't really necessary. Many parents and babies love bath time,
but there's no evidence that suggests babies must have a daily bath. It's up to you and your partner and your baby really.
However make sure you wash their face frequently and thoroughly, cleaning their genital area after each nappy change, and
cleaning off any other obvious muck, will be enough to keep them clean between baths.
The first bathing experience can be a bit nerve racking you may find it a little hard to handle your little one when they
are all soapy and slippery, so keep a good grip. Most babies find the warm water very soothing and enjoy bath times but if
you have one who hates it or likes wriggling then it maybe a good idea to get a bath seat there are many on the market and
they take the fear out of the whole experience. Many baby baths are adjustable in height and have a seat in them so it takes
the kneeling over the bath out of the equation.
Step by step
1. Before getting your child ready for the bath it is important that you get everything that you will need ready as you
can not leave the child unattended in the bath to get something you have forgotten
2. Make sure the room is warm and the bath water is just warm but not hottest it with your elbow or a baby bath thermometer
3.
If you child is a newborns or up to six months old, only fill the bath with about five inches of water, or enough to allow
your baby to lye in the water with his shoulders well covered or follow the directions on the seat if you have got one.
4.
Undress the baby completely.
5. Slowly ease them into the bath, using one hand to support their neck and head. (Top Tip: buy a bath support they are great and they save you from the worry that the
baby might slip out of your hands!)
6. Use baby soap very sparingly as you wash them with your hand or a flannel or
sponge from top to bottom, front to back. Wash the scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. It is best to use a piece of moistened cotton
wool to clean their eyes, nose and face.
7. Rinse your baby thoroughly with a clean flannel.
8. Wrap your
baby in a towel and pat dry. If their skin is dry, then this is a good time to apply baby moisturiser, the one to choose is
dependant on your child skin, but it is best to try a new product on a little patch before you put it all over if there is
no reaction after 24 hours then is probably safe to use very sparingly.
