Baby Bath

Preparing the bath

1-Start by collecting all the bath items you need (towel/s, washcloth, cotton wool, new nappy and clean clothes) and position them near the bath. Have an unfolded towel handy in preparation for drying your baby.

2-Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature and fill the bath with about 5 cm of warm water. Test the water temperature with your wrist or elbow – it should be approximately 36°C and should NOT feel hot on your skin.

3-Once the bath is ready,undress your baby. Cradling her head and shoulders with one hand and supporting her body with the other, gently lower her into the bath.

Bathing your baby

1-Moisten a cotton wool ball with warm water and gently clean your newborn’s eyelids, wiping from inner eye to outer eye. Use a different piece of cotton wool for each eye.

2-Once or twice a week you can wash your newborn's hair. To do so, lay baby down in the bath and gently splash some water onto her head. There's no need for shampoo until she's older.

3-Use a soft washcloth to gently clean your newborn’s face (1), then the neck and body (2), leaving the genitals and bottom till last (3).

Finishing a bath

1-Supporting your baby’s head and neck, lift her out of the bath then place her on her back on a clean, dry, soft towel.

2-Wrap your baby in the towel and pat dry. Pay attention to skin creases, including armpits, groin, under the chin, around the neck and behind the ears.

3-If your baby’s skin is dry, or if she has nappy rash, you might want to apply a mild lotion such as white soft paraffin, or zinc and castor oil. Paw paw cream might also be helpful.

4-Dress your baby, putting her nappy on first then place your baby in a safe place.

Never leave your baby in the bath unattended. Children can drown quickly and quietly.

By www.raisingchildren.net.au