Bath Time For Your Baby

Bath time is a wonderful time to bond with your baby. It is also a perfect time to examine his whole body. Warm water and your soothing touch is what the baby longs for and enjoys. However, the apprehension of holding a wet and squirmy baby fills you with concern about how you'll manage. Take these few hints to help bathing time with your baby a fun and relaxing activity.



If your baby has cradle cap (scaly scalp), pay extra attention to it. Before bathing him, apply a small amount of baby oil to soften the scaly substance in his scalp. When bathing, gently rub his scalp using a washcloth to help slowly eliminate the scale. Don't put too much force or pressure when rubbing his head because your baby's scalp and head are still fragile because the skull is not yet fully developed.



Your baby's bath time should be a relaxing activity for him and not to make him cry. It is also the time to gently massage him to prepare him during bedtime. The doctors don't usually advise on bathing him everyday. They recommend bathing him at least two to three times a week especially during the first months of age.



It is always best to bath your baby before feeding time. Bathing him after feeding may usually cause him to vomit or spit up and make him uncomfortable. But be sure also to check that he is not too hungry, as this may cause him to be irritable.



Choose baby bathing essentials that are safe for the baby, hypoallergenic and adds fun to bathing activity. Baby bathing essentials include hypoallergenic shampoo and soap, baby wash, washcloth to rub gently on his body, a soft baby towel or hooded baby blanket to warm him up after bath, and you may include also bathing toys such as a rubber duck and other floating toys for him to play with in the bath tub.



Never leave your child unattended in the bath tub during bathing time. Before bathing him, make sure that you have all the bathing essentials that you need just within your reach, so that you won't have to leave him even in a jiffy.



When bathing your baby, pay extra attention in cleaning his eyes, ears and face. Use the washcloth to clean his body parts. Do not use a bath scrub, as your baby's skin is still soft and sensitive; scrubbers are not recommended for babies as these may aggravate the baby's sensitive skin.



Be careful when lifting your baby out in the tub after bath. Wrap him up gently and quickly with a hooded towel or blanket and take a few seconds to cuddle him close to you, so that he may feel secured.



After bathing, dry your baby well in all the creases of his body, as excessive moisture may lead to skin irritation. Gently rub some warming baby oil all over his body to stabilize his body temperature. You can also use a baby lotion and lather his whole body with it. After that, dress him up in comfortable clothes to make him relaxed and feel comfy.