First 12 Months

Bathing Your Newborn

Bathing your baby takes practice and confidence. Have everything you require ready at hand before you begin. Fill the baby bath with about five inches of warm water, ensuring that cold water goes in first as hot water may sit at the bottom. Use a bath thermometer to get the temperature right (38^oC), although, before putting your baby in the bath, always use your elbow to test the water yourself.

Next, undress your baby but leave her nappy on. Wrap her in a towel before washing her face and eyes with cotton wool balls moistened with previously boiled, cooled water – remembering to use each piece of cotton wool once only, wiping from the inside out. Then remove the nappy and put your baby in the bath. Hold her firmly, with one hand supporting her head and shoulder and the other hand scooping water over her little body. Lift your baby out of the bath, with one hand supporting her head and neck and the other hand supporting her bottom. Wrap in a towel, pat dry – remembering to dry all those little creases – and dress your baby.

Never leave your baby alone in the bath.