For newborn:
For the first few weeks of your newborn’s life — until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and healed — you should stick to sponge baths. Some people find this easiest and most convenient on the kitchen counter, so you have access to warm water and room to spread out a comfy towel for baby to lie on.
Lather up a bit of mild baby soap (your pediatrician may recommend a fragrance-free or moisturizing formula) on a soft washcloth and gently cleanse your baby’s skin. Follow with a swipe of a clean, damp washcloth, and towel off your little one.
Once baby can sit up:
After 6 months or so, once baby can sit up and hold her head up on her own, it’s time to graduate to a specially designed baby bathtub.
These come in a variety of price ranges and are a good investment because they’re just the right size and shaped to facilitate washing baby while keeping her secure and comfortable.
Some tubs have foamy edges to keep the baby from sliding or a drawer to hold shampoo and washcloths. There are many models and features to choose from, but you can’t really go wrong as long as it holds water and works in your space!
One important thing to remember: Never leave a baby unattended in water, even for a moment.
Baby bathtub buying tips:
• Look for a tub that’s made of thick plastic that won’t bend with the child’s weight or the weight of the water.
• The bottom part of the tub should be covered with a slide-proof material.
• Depending on how much space you have and where you plan to use it, you may want a tub that can accommodate shampoo and a washcloth.
• You’ll have an easier time emptying the bath if the tub comes with a hole and a plug in the bottom.
• A rounded edge makes it easier for both baby and you to move around.
Giving your baby a bath in the family bath tub can be tricky and even potentially dangerous. Using a special tub will make it not only safer but more fun to give baby a bath!
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