How to bath your baby

Bathing your baby is the perfect time for cuddles and bonding. Try this easy step-by-step guide:

Pre-bath tips

• Gather all supplies you’ll need – soap, towel, clean nappy and so on.
• Make sure the room is warm enough before you get started. Babies lose body heat very quickly – especially when naked.
• Remove any jewellery such as rings or bangles that may hurt baby’s gentle skin.
• Never leave baby unattended – not even for a moment. Accidents happen quickly.
• Place a rubber bath mat or a towel inside the bath to make it less slippery.

Step 1: Fill the bath

Run cold water into the bath, add hot water and mix well. Fill the bath with just enough hot water to cover baby’s tummy. Never put your baby in the bath when the water is still running. The water temperature can change quickly. Use your elbow or the inner side of your wrist to test the water. It must be comfortably warm, but not hot. (Your elbow is more sensitive than your hand.)

Step 2: Pre-bath cleanse

Undress baby but keep the nappy on and wrap your baby in a towel. Gently clean your baby’s face and ears with moistened cotton wool.

TIP: Use a new piece of cotton wool for each eye and always wipe from the inside corner of the eye, outward.

Step 3: Washing your baby’s head

Keeping baby wrapped in a towel, put your arm under their back and use your hand to support your baby’s head. With your free hand, wet baby’s hair and wash with a mild shampoo. Towel-dry your baby’s hair.

Step 4: Get a grip

Take off the nappy and clean the nappy area. Gently slide baby into the bath, feet first, holding your baby securely with your one arm under baby;s armpit and the other supporting the legs or bottom. Smile and talk to your baby as you place your baby in the bath.

Step 5: Washing

Keep one hand under baby’s shoulders so their head and shoulders are kept out of the water. Wash your baby with a mild baby soap and soft face cloth or piece of cotton wool. Rinse off all the soap.

Step 6: Drying

Lift baby gently onto the towel, supporting as before. Wrap baby in the towel and dry thoroughly – especially the creases in the neck, arms and legs. These areas get irritated easily if it stays moist.

Our towelling is made of 100% cotton. Click here to view our baby essentials range.

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