You’ll need:
- Large plastic bowl
- Bath thermometer
- Towel with hood, to keep your baby’s head warm
- Soap isn’t necessary but if you feel it is needed, use a mild, unperfumed one
- A change of clothes ready, so they don’t get too cold after bathing
Getting ready:
- Have everything you need to hand before you begin, never leave your baby unattended
- Fill the baby bath with about five inches (12 cm) of warm water. Run the cold water first, as hot water may sit at the bottom
- Use a bath thermometer to get the temperature right (38oC)
- Before putting your baby in, always use your elbow to test the water yourself. It should be warm but not hot
- Undress your baby but leave their nappy on
- Wrap them in the towel to keep them warm
- Wash their face and eyes with cotton wool balls moistened with previously boiled, cooled water. Use each piece of cotton wool once only
Bathing:
- Never leave your baby alone during bathing time
- Remove the nappy and put your baby in the bath
- Hold them firmly but gently, as they may wriggle around
- One hand should go around the back and grip under the arm, with your wrist/forearm supporting your baby’s head (make sure you are not wearing a bracelet or watch). This hand supports the baby during bathing
- Your other hand supports their bottom until they’re in the water. Then it’s free to wash your baby
- Lift them out of the bath the same way, with one hand around the back supporting the head and neck, and the other hand under the bottom
- Wrap in a towel and pat dry, remembering to dry all those little creases
- Then put on a nappy
- Dress your baby as soon as possible
Click here to get a printable Helpsheet on how to bathe your baby