A newborn’s skin is delicate. You should not use wipes until your baby is at least six weeks old; they remove the natural oils from her skin and can leave it dry and uncomfortable. Special baby toiletries are mild and won’t irritate your baby’s skin – many are hypoallergenic.
A little baby oil in your baby’s bath water is a good moisturizer for very dry skin.
For delicate skin, like the diaper area, baby lotion makes an ideal moisturizer.
Baby powder can be drying to your baby’s skin. If you use it, shake it onto your hand first, or it may be inhaled by your baby. Never use powder on the skin creases, where it can cake and cause irritation.
A+D ointment and petroleum jelly are waterproof and will protect your baby’s skin from urine. Medicated diaper creams containing zinc oxide are good if your baby has diaper rash.
Many babies hate having their hair washed, even if they enjoy having a bath. If this is a case with your baby, it may be best to keep hair washing separate from bath time; if your child associates the two she may start to fuss about taking baths as well.
The main reason for dislike of hair-washing is that babies hate getting water and soap in their eyes, so try to avoid this as far as you can. Specially designed shields are available that fit around the hairline and prevent water and suds running down your baby’s face while you rinse her hair. You may also find that your baby will become less distressed if you hold her in your lap while washing her hair, and use a washcloth to wet and rinse it rather than pouring water over her hear.
Never try to force the issue, and never forcibly hold your baby still while you wash her hair. If hair washing is obviously very distressing for her, give up for two or three weeks before trying again. You can still keep her hair reasonable clean by sponging it to remove any food or dirt, or brushing it out with a soft, damp brush. The hair will probably become greasy after the first few days, but this will not do any harm.
Wash your baby’s hair frequently, with baby shampoo or plain water. After about 12 to 16 weeks, wash your baby’s hair with water daily and once or twice a week with baby shampoo. Make sure that you use a tear-free variety of baby shampoo, but nevertheless take care to avoid getting in near her eyes. You can sit on the edge of the bath with the baby across your legs, facing you. Don’t be nervous about the fontanels; the membrane that covers them is very tough, and there is no need to scrub the hair, so you can do no harm as long as you are gentle.
Apply the shampoo or bath lotion to your baby’s hair, and gradually work it in until a lather forms. Wait about fifteen seconds before rinsing it off: there is no need to apply it a second time. To rinse the hair, just use a washcloth dipped in warm water to wipe the suds away. Try to remove every trace of soap. When drying your baby’s hair, avoid covering her face or she may panic and start no cry. It is best just to use the end of the towel to avoid this.
Upper body Sit your baby on a towel on your lap. Undress her top half and wash her front with a sponge or cloth and warm water. Pat her dry. Lean her forward over your arm and wash her back.
Diaper area Either wash your baby’s hair at this stage, or put some clean clothes on her top half and remove her lower clothing and diaper. Clean the diaper area.
Lower body Using the sponge or cloth, wash your baby’s legs and feet. Gently pat her skin dry, put on a clean diaper, and dress her.
If your baby really hates being undressed, or if you are a bit daunted by giving her a bath, the best method is to give her a sponge bath. Hold your baby securely on your lap while removing only the minimum amount of clothing at any time. If you find it difficult to maneuver your baby while she is on your lap, put her on a changing pad and follow the same sponge bath method, taking care to keep one half covered while you wash the other.
