If the whole parenting thing is new to you, bathing the baby will seem pretty much daunting. This is because, during the few initials months, your baby requires extra protection and care. It requires being at a soft safe and cozy place all the time. Bathing the baby might come to you as a blow. But once you get used to it, the bathing session will turn into a fun, playful experience and happy bonding time with your toddler.

My article today is totally dedicated to help you prepare your cute little toddler for some bathe time with a few basic parenting tips. I have divided this post into two: Sponge bath and baby bath. Read along.

Sponge bath

First of all let me discuss about sponge bath. For the first two weeks or till the umbilical cord stump heals, pediatricians advise new mommies to only give sponge bathes to the infant. Here is how:

Step 1

The first step will be to get prepared for the sponge time with the baby. Below are the lists of things you will require:

• Warm water
• Washcloth (Two)
• Sterile cotton pads
• Rubbing Alcohol and cotton swabs
• Hooded towel
• Clean clothes
• Nappy and nappy rash cream

Step 2

Undress your baby and cover it with a towel. Then take the wet washcloth and start wiping the face, neck, chest, stomach, back, legs, nappy area and the folds of skin in order. The nappy area should be cleaned at last. This will make it easier for you to change the nappy immediately and applying the nappy cream once the nappy area is dried off. Gently pat the skin dry.

Here is a tip: If your baby does like to be undressed completely at the same time, remove each part separately and clean one by one.

Step 3

It is okay to wash your new born’s hair once a week at least during the first few days after birth. Squeeze a few drops of water on the baby’s head and wipe it off with a dry washcloth. Use of soaps or shampoo for the first few weeks should be prohibited as the skin remains a bit too sensitive.

Step 4

Gently rub the alcohol around your baby’s umbilical cord area with cotton swabs and dress the baby in clean clothes. Most babies automatically go to sleep after the warm refreshing clean experience.

Baby Bath

You may expose your baby to real bathing experience, once the umbilical cord heals in a couple of weeks. Here is how you should deal with it:

Step 1

It is not compulsory for you to bathe your baby in the bathroom. Any well lit, well ventilated room will do. Gather all the things you would require for bathing at once. Here is a list of the most probable ones:

• Tub, mug, gentle baby soap
• Two washcloths, cotton balls
• A few bath toys
• Brush, comb, lotion or oil
• Rubbing Alcohol and cotton swabs
• Diaper, diaper ointment
• Clean set of clothes

Step 2

Dress in something you don’t mind getting wet and soapy and remove any kind of jewelry.  Make sure there are no sharp and pointed things attached to your cloth, least your baby will get scratched. Terrycloth bathrobes are most appropriate for that matter.

Step 3

Use a tub that supports your baby’s neck and head. Do not use a full-size adult bathtub to bathe an infant as these are chances of severe slips. Fill the tub with comfortably warm to the touch water (not what you prefer for your own bath). Never forget to test the water before placing your baby in the tub.        Do not fill the tub more than a couple of inches. Never submerge your baby in water.

Step 4

Let the feet touch the water at first. Your one hand should support the baby’s back, neck and head as you carefully lower it into the tub. Carefully use the other hand to wash your toddler. Use a soft washcloth to gently wash face, body, arms and legs and cotton balls to wipe the baby’s eyes and ears. Use baby shampoo and use your hand to create a ‘visor’ to protect the eyes. Clean genitals at the last with a dab of baby soap.

Step 5

Finally when you are done bathing, lift your baby from the tub by holding and supporting the delicate areas like head, neck, and back with one arm. Hold its bottom and thighs with the other and place it a towel. The head should be carefully covered.

Most important tip: Never ever leave your baby unattended in the bath tub; not even for a second. Gather whatever you need beforehand and keep it at arm’s length. Happy Bathing!

Check out these easy tips to Know Health Benefits of Almond Milk for Babies

Read the other Related Tips for Baby

Effective ways to protect your child healthy in changing weather
Whenever there is a weather change there are chances for adults to fall sick due to viral infections. You can take some precautions to prevent yourself and your baby from getting sick.