Bathing a newborn infant can be a rewarding experience or a scary one for you and your baby. Nevertheless, here are few tips and tricks to give your little one a sponge bath.
•Decide a bathing time for your baby. Although there is no fixed time, bathing just before sleep time can be relaxing and sleep conducive for the baby. Bathing has to be given with undivided attention and time, so it is wise to switch off the telephone and concentrate on task at hand.
•Never bathe a baby on a full or an empty stomach.
•A newborn does not need a tub bath unless he/she is few months older. A sponge bath will suffice for a newborn.
•Never leave your baby unattended even for a second. If you have to go, wrap and take your baby with you.
•It is wise that you gather all the things required for and after a sponge bath and keep them close at hand – two washcloths, one for sponging, other for cleaning, baby soap and shampoo, cotton balls to clean eyes and the umbilical cord, hooded towel to dry and keep the baby warm, rubbing alcohol for the umbilical cord, diaper, clothing, baby lotion.
•Although many mothers use baby powder, it is no recommended by most doctors. So check with your pediatrician before you apply baby powder.
