You can bathe your baby in any room that is warm, has no drafts, and has enough space to lay out all that you need. If necessary you can fill the baby’s bath in the kitchen or bathroom and then carry it to the chosen room, provided it is not too heavy.
A small baby can be washed in a specially designed plastic baby bath. Place the bath on a worktop or table of a convenient height, usually about hip height, so that you don’t have to bend too much. This will protect your baby from any unnecessary strain. Some baby baths come complete with their own stands, or are designed to straddle the bathtub or sink, which makes bathing your baby a far more comfortable task.
Occasionally, red scaly patches may appear on your baby’s scalp. Cradle cap is extremely common, and is not caused by a lack of hygiene or by any shampoo you’re using. It usually takes a few months to clean up.
Control cradle cap by gently washing your newborn baby’s scalp with a very soft bristle brush and a little baby shampoo dissolved in warm water. You should comb through the hair, even if she has very little. If cradle cap does appear, smear a little baby oil on her scalp at night to soften and loosen the scales, making them easy to wash away the following morning. Don’t be tempted to pick them off with your fingernail; that only encourages more scales to form. If the condition persists or spreads, consult your baby’s doctor, who may recommend a special shampoo.
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.
