Baby care is not always common sense. New
parents rightly want to be extremely careful
when taking care of their new infant. One
task that often eludes new parents is how to
bathe a newborn or baby. Here's how:
First, you should find a suitable place
with lots of room. Decide if you want to
stand or sit down while bathing your baby
and then choose a place accordingly. If you
don't mind standing up, the kitchen sick is
a great place. Just be sure that you clean
the area of all food and dishes first. Lay
down some towels on the counter so you can
place the baby there when the bath is over.
Once you start, you won't be able to
leave the area unless you take the baby with
you. Never leave the baby alone in the
bathing area or on a kitchen counter.
Therefore, you should first get everything
you are going to need. This could include
towels, washcloths soap, a fresh diaper,
etc.
If it is winter, make sure the room is a
little warmer than you usually like it.
Babies don't retain heat as well as adults
do. Also, make sure the water is warm and
comfortable. So that you don't spread dirt
around with the washcloth, save the most
dirty areas for last.
Perhaps the most important part of this
is to enjoy the experience. Bathing your
baby is one of the most precious experiences
you will ever have in your whole life.
Cherish every moment.
If for any reason you need to leave the
area, do not under any circumstances leave
the baby alone. Wrap the baby up and take
her with you if you need to answer the phone
or see who's knocking at the door.
You do not need a full tub or basin to
bathe a baby. It isn't necessary that they
are submerged. Just an inch or two of water,
enough to soak and rinse the washcloth is
enough.
You might also want to buy a special
bathing chair for your baby. These allow the
baby to sit while you are washing him or
her. These are very convenient as your hands
will be freer by not having to support the
baby as much.
Bath time is usually a time of great joy
and is one of the more enjoyable aspects of
baby care. Don't take these moments for
granted as they will be gone before you know
it.