Washing your baby - birth to 1 year
© DK
Most young babies don't need bathing very often because, apart from their bottoms, faces, necks and skin creases, they don't get very dirty. There is no reason why you shouldn't go for two or three days without bathing your baby as long as you clean her face, hands and bottom every day. You can do this without even putting the baby in the bath by topping and tailing. It's also advisable to wash her hair regularly to help prevent cradle cap forming (see Care of the hair) on her scalp.
Some parents feel apprehensive the first few times they bath their baby. However, if you set aside half an hour, have everything you need around you and try to relax you will probably enjoy it. After the first two or three times it will become fairly routine and you'll wonder what your first bathtime nerves were all about.
Where to wash your baby?
Until she's big enough to go into an adult bath you don't have to wash your baby in a bathroom. You can use your baby's room, the kitchen or any other room that is warm and has enough space to lay out all that you need to bath her in comfort. The baby's bath can be filled in the bathroom and then carried to the chosen room (make sure you don't fill it too full or the water will splash out as you walk from room to room).
A small baby can be washed in a specially designed, sculpted plastic bath with a non-slip surface (see Changing and bathing). As it is most comfortable for you if you don't have to bend too much, the bath should be placed on a table or worktop of a convenient height. Alternatively, you could place it on an adjustable stand (although they tend to be rather flimsy) or on a rack that straddles the bath.
If, however, you don't have a baby bath there are some inexpensive, practical alternatives that you can use until your baby is old enough to go into the big bath. For example, a plastic household basin functions in exactly the same way as a baby bath and is useful because, like a baby bath, it can be carried anywhere you choose. Kitchen or bathroom sinks are also practical because they are generally at a comfortable height so you don't have to bend over too much, and they often have additional counter space to the side.
However, if you do use the kitchen sink, it's important to make sure that the taps are well out of reach of your baby's kicking legs. If they aren't, wrap them up with cloths or towels so that they can cause no harm. If the “bath” surface is too slippery, either use a plastic suction mat or line the sink with a small towel or nappy to provide a non-slip surface for your baby's bottom.
Washing a young baby
- Ideally wear a waterproof apron, and lay a large, soft towel across your lap and up your front so that when you cuddle up your baby after the bath she will feel warm and comfortable.
- Very young babies can't regulate their own temperatures very efficiently, so keep the time she's undressed to a minimum.
- Try using a towel with a hood: she'll feel even more secure and snuggly, especially if you put the towel over a radiator for a while first so that it's warm.
- Only fill the bath with a few centimetres of water until you are used to bathing.
- Never use baby powders. They are very drying to a baby's skin and may cake in the creases, causing irritation and rashes.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 30.06.2010
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