At
the fifth week of the baby
Bathing
the Baby
Bathing
the baby can initially be a traumatic time for some new prints,
especially if he screams, withes and thrashes. Once he enjoys
his bath, however, it is a delightful form of exercise for
him.
New
babies do not need bathing every day, especially if they hate
it. 'Topping and tilling' will keep a baby clean in the early
weeks if you can't give a bath. But try to bath him every few
days to give him a chance to get to it.
It
helps to get everything ready first and to bath the baby somewhere where
you will be warm ad comfortable. A baby bath with stand bring the bay
to the right height. but you could bath him on a firm table or other surface
provided you do not turn your back for a moment.
Make
sure the water is about baby temperature ( it shouldn't feel hot or cold if
you dip your elbow in) and hold the baby firmly , talking to him all
the time. Many babies dislike getting undressed but are quiet in
the water.
If
your baby really does hate the bath, you can try having him in the bath with
you provided there's someone else around to help pass the
baby in and out. Let your bath water cool right down. Most babies will find
the skin-to-skin contact reassuring and this may help them get over their
fear of the water.
Many
parents find that a bath makes a pleasant end to the day, and also tires
the baby out, However, if you have older children , the morning may be
a better time for bathing him, he will probably then settle down for a
long morning sleep. Evening bath-time also enables fathers to be involved
with the baby.
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1.
With your baby wrapped in a towel, hold his head over the bath and
wash his scalp gently with your free hand. Pat it dry.
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2.
support his head with your forearm and let him splash for a few minutes,
rather than soaping him straight away.
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3.
Have a warm towel ready to wrap the baby in when he comes out as small
babies get cold every quickly. |
Topping
And Tailing
Hold
the baby safely and gently clean his face with cotton wool and warm water.
Wipe his eyes first from the bridge of the nose outwards, using a different
piece for each eye so as not to spread any infection. Wipe around the ears
with cotton wool. Then clean up the rest of his face to remove traces of
mild of saliva which may irritate his skin. Pat dry with a soft towel. Wash
his hands and clean his bottom. Dry thoroughly and put on a fresh
nappy.
