How to bath a baby
Congratulations! You’re home with your baby. They may have had a bath at the hospital where you were taught the steps, but once you're home in a different environment it’s normal to second-guess what to do.
We’ve put together a handy guide for all things bathtime for your bub, to help make it a special time for baby and new parents alike.
How often should I bath my baby?
Babies really only need a proper bath two or three times a week – a ‘top and tail’ with a warm washcloth is fine on other days. However, if your baby enjoys a bath you can do it daily.
Babies thrive on routine - another factor in favour of daily baths - and they usually find the warm water soothing. For these reasons many parents choose to include bath time as part of their baby’s daily ritual.
What should I bath my baby in?
Babies are slippery, and you’ll need to support their head. So bathing them in an elevated position - allowing you to stand and use your arms without hurting your back - is ideal.
If you don’t have a standing baby bath, in a pinch many a baby has been bathed in a (clean) laundry or kitchen sink! As bub gets a bit older (4-6 months) with more head control, a bath chair will allow you to use your regular tub.
Which products should I use?
Your baby’s skin is very delicate and sensitive, so it’s important to choose products that are dermatologically approved and kind to sensitive skin – like Euky Bear’s Bath & Body range.
You’ll need a soap-free, gentle cleanser like Euky Bear’s Hair & Body Wash. It’s enriched with organic Kakadu Plum, Rosehip and Jojoba plus vitamin E and has no harsh ingredients - gentle enough for even the littlest bub.
After bath, a good moisturiser is vital to lock in moisture – babies’ skin is prone to dryness and flakiness! Euky Bear’s Body Lotion is hydrating and fast absorbing, helping their skin stay baby soft for up to 8 hours.
How to bath your baby
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Get organised
Make sure you have everything you need close at hand on standby: that includes a large towel to wrap baby in, a face washer, a clean nappy and clothes, and your favourite baby bath products (Euky Bear of course!)
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Run the bath water
An ideal temperature is around 37°C to 38°C. You can check using a bath thermometer, like this one. The bath water can be quite shallow at first, until you get confident holding your baby in the water.
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Undress baby and gently lower them into the bath
Hold your baby securely with one hand, using your free hand to wash their skin. It can be helpful to have a ‘helper’ to hand you things until you get used to it.
Keep baby’s head and face clear of the water and never leave your baby in the bath, or on a change table – even before they can roll – for even a second. Babies can drown in just a centimeter or two of water.
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Use the Baby Wash
Start with baby’s head and work down to their toes. Massage their scalp, using a small amount of product, then wash off with a wash cloth before moving to their neck, and the rest of their body. Pay particular attention to those skin folds! Use plain water on baby’s face, especially around the eyes and mouth. You might like to use a cotton ball with water for these areas.
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Lift baby gently out of the bath
Put them on a clean, dry towel and thoroughly dry, especially in those skin creases.
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Massage or lotion
Now’s the time to enjoy a bonding baby massage (if you like) or apply your Euky Bear Body Lotion. Gently rub into their skin, avoiding the face and eye areas.
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Dress your baby
Put on a clean nappy and clothes.
Bath time Bonding
Bathtime with baby should be a happy, fun and special time for you and your little one to bond.
Enjoy this time and don’t rush it… it’s a great time to talk to your baby, make faces and watch their responses. In this way a bath can become an important part of their developmental process, as well an activity both of you look forward to.
As baby gets older and you graduate to the tub, bathtime gets even bigger. You can introduce tear-free bubbles – like Euky Bear’s Bubble Bath – and splash and play with bath toys, too. There’s some great ideas in this blog to make it even more fun.
Happy bathtime!
SHOP EUKY BEAR BATH & BODY RANGE
References:
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/washing-your-baby
https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/health-daily-care/hygiene-keeping-clean/bathing-a-newborn
