Everyone loves the scent of a freshly bathed baby! Keeping baby clean not only keeps him healthy and happy but also protects him from infections.
Many new parents are nervous about bathing their new babies because they are afraid they might hurt or drop their baby accidentally. The good news is that babies are really not as fragile as they look!
The trick is to start slow. Once you have captured the basic techniques, you find it getting easier each time. With practice, it becomes not only a breeze but also turns into one of your favourite time of day when you can bond with baby!
Here are some of the most common questions parents have about bathing baby, and tried and tested tips:
1) How soon can I bathe my baby?
Some doctors suggest that babies whose umbilical cords have not fallen off should be sponged instead of being given a bath. However, this need not apply to all babies. Babies can be bathed after birth as long as you can handle it. Just remember to dry the umbilical cord area carefully after every bath to avoid infections.
2) Where do I start?
It helps to be prepared before you start. Remember your baby might catch a cold easily, so do get everything you need laid out in the room before bringing baby into the bathroom, such as diapers or nappies, clean clothes, baby lotion or powder and nappy cream. Turn off the fan or air-conditioner to keep the room draught-free to avoid baby catching a chill.
3) Bath time basics
Fill the baby tub with lukewarm water and a few drops of baby bath. Take off his clothes in the room but leave his diaper on to avoid any peeing