Bathing A Baby
Bathing baby for the first time is a magical time for both of you. It helps if you plan ahead and have everything to hand, after all you 
can't leave baby alone in the bath while you fetch something. Here's what you'll need.
- A warm room
- A baby bath
- Baby's sponge
- Baby shampoo
- Toys
- Clean, warm towels
- Changing mat
- Cream - moisturiser for nappy rash
- Clean clothes - nappy, vest, sleepysuit.
- Soft hairbrush
Ideally, the baby bath should be about hip-height but above all the bath must be on a stable surface. If the floor is the only option you'll have to kneel.
Pick a time when baby is neither hungry or tired, this is supposed to be a fun time as well as a means to get her clean. Fill the bath to a depth of about 6-8cm (about 3 inches) with warm water. Test with your elbow - not your hand as this is more heat resistant. If you've got a bath thermometer (who's that organised?!), the ideal temperature is about 37?C/99?F.
Support baby with one arm and use the other to wash her. Be careful of her eyes, newborn babies have yet to develop tear ducts and their blink reflex isn't fully developed.
Once you've washed her, play for a while. Scoop up some water in your hand and trickle this over her tummy, she'll enjoy the sensation. Have a sing-song. Later, when baby is more confident in the bath and can sit unaided, move to the big bath and introduce bubble bath and more toys. If she has older brothers or sisters, bath them together; two in a bath is much more fun! Or maybe you want to join her, do it.
Time to get out! Raise her head and shoulders and place your free hand under her bottom. Out she comes. Wrap her in a warm towel on the changing mat and pat her dry. Gently does it, baby's skin is about ten times thinner than ours, so pat with the towel rather than rub. Don't forget all the creases and between her toes and fingers. Apply cream to her bottom and dress her.
Hair washing is best done as a separate exercise. Newborns don't have much hair so you'll have a chance to practice bathing baby before a proper hair wash is needed. When it is, it is best done before the bath. Keep baby's nappy and vest on or wrap her in a warm towel, hold her over the bath in one arm, supporting her head but letting it tilt down slightly. Be prepared for a wriggle! With the other hand scoop up some warm water and wet the hair. Wash with a baby shampoo, not letting any soap get in her eyes. Then rinse with a jug of lukewarm, clean water poured gently over her hair.
After the bath, get baby in the mood for bed by giving her a soothing massage with baby oil. We'd all enjoy that!
