How to bathe a baby

Bathing babies: rules

Buy a baby bathtub. It is not advisable to wash a baby in a large bathtub, as it is too large and unhygienic. First, wash the bath well with soda (do not use detergent) and rinse with boiling water.

For washing, take boiled water, cooled to the desired temperature. The optimal room air temperature is 20–22°C, water temperature is 35–37°C. Measure with a special thermometer.

The best time for water procedures is evening. Warm water will soothe, relax the baby, and prepare for a night's sleep. Bathe your baby at the same time every day to establish a routine.

You can add herbal decoctions to the bath. Chamomile, calendula, string, plantain, sage are suitable. They have disinfectant, anti-allergenic properties, soften the skin, and speed up the healing of the umbilical wound. Mint, lemon balm, and pine needles are suitable for a restless child. Herbs relax, calm the nervous system, and promote sound sleep.

Use soap twice a week, shampoo once. On other days, just washing with water is enough. Feed your baby after taking a bath.

The duration of water procedures is 7–10 minutes. The first month of life they are carried out daily, then every other day is allowed.
Hygiene supplies

To wash your baby you will need the following supplies:

     baby soap, shampoo;
     a washcloth or a piece of soft cloth for soaping;
     rinsing ladle;
     water thermometer;
     towel;
     special baby oil (after bath).

Newborn's first bath

You need to start bathing your baby immediately after leaving the hospital. Do all manipulations carefully, slowly, so as not to scare the baby. Next time it will be easier.

     1. Fill a bath of warm, boiled water and measure the temperature. Add herbal infusion if necessary.
     2. Cover the bottom with a folded thick diaper to prevent slipping.
     3. Gently lower your newborn into the bath, holding the head with one hand.
     4. Water it with a small ladle. Then wash your arms, legs, tummy, back, and face one by one with soap. Using a washcloth or washcloth, thoroughly rinse all skin folds. The final stage is washing your hair with shampoo.
     5. Rinse the baby with clean water.
     6. Take him out of the bath, wrap him in a soft towel. Do not rub the delicate skin, but blot it.
     7. After the baby is dry, lubricate the body with baby oil. The oil is quickly absorbed without leaving any traces. Apply healing cream or other hygiene products to redness and skin folds. Treat the umbilical wound first with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide, then with brilliant green.
     8. Dress your baby in clean clothes and get ready for bed.

By following simple rules, you will turn ordinary hygiene procedures into a pleasant, interesting activity.