Bathing Your Baby
Sponge baths are given until the umbilical cord has fallen off, which usually takes one to three weeks. Give the baby his first real bath on the day after the cord has fallen off to be sure that the cord area is dry. Before starting the baby's bath, gather all the items you will need, such as a basin, washcloth, towel, soap, blanket, diaper and sleeper. You may use any mild soap such as Ivory, Neutrogena®, Rainbath®, or Baby Magic Bath®. Do not use deodorant soaps, as these are too harsh for the baby's skin.
Be sure you choose a warm, draft-free area to bathe your baby. Place warm water in the basin and check the temperature with your elbow before placing the baby in the bath. Gently lower him into the water, talking to him quietly. Put your arm under the baby's back and your hand behind his head.
With your free hand, wipe each eye with a soft cloth dipped in water and squeezed out. Be sure to use a soft cloth for each eye and to wipe from the inner corner to the outside.
Using a washcloth, carefully clean the outside of the baby's ears. Next, wash the baby's face gently with the washcloth and pat dry. Do not use soap on the baby's face.
Tilt the baby's head back slightly so water can run off and into the basin. Wet his head with a washcloth and lather his head with soap or a gentle shampoo, then rinse well with the washcloth. Squeeze the water from the washcloth at the front of his head and allow the water to run back into the basin. Be careful not to get the water into his eyes or ears. Do not be afraid to clean his soft spots just like the rest of his head.
Clean the rest of the baby's body, working your way down. Do not be afraid to get the baby wet. Wash the baby's genital area last. If you have a girl, wipe her from front to back gently and rinse well. If you have a boy and he is uncircumcised, just clean the outside of his penis. Do not pull the foreskin back. If your boy has been circumcised, clean the circumcised area gently with a wet washcloth. You may continue to apply A&D® ointment to the circumcision for the first week or so after he has been circumcised to prevent his diaper from sticking.
