If you are a new parent, one question that must often come to your mind is most likely to be: how to keep your baby fresh? While babies don’t need to be bathed as often as older children do. Newborn babies can be cleaned and made fresh by topping and tailing which is also called a sponge bath. It is also handy for older babies if you are tight for time.
When sponging your baby, first start out by laying your baby on their back, on your lap or in a changing mat. Remember it has to be somewhere dry and clean. For a bit older kids have them sit on your lap or stand by you.
Next, undress the baby, but leave the diaper on. Wipe the baby's face, neck, and ears with a damp cloth or cotton wool. Once done, wipe the baby with more cotton and dry cloth.
If your baby has eyes clogged up with dry mucus gently wipe it away from the inside corner to the outside with a small piece of cotton dipped in cooled boiled water. Take the time to wipe the baby’s underarms and hands with a damp cloth or cotton wool.
Take off the diaper and wash the baby’s bottom and pat dry. Massage the baby with baby lotion to soothe and relax your little bundle of joy.
Safety Tips to Follow When Bathing Your Baby
It must be said clearly that you must take care to leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a split second. If you have older children don’t let them look after the baby. A baby should be supervised by adults when they are in the bath.
While you don’t need to bathe your baby every day, if they really like it you might make an exception for your little bundle of joy.
It is best not to bathe your baby right after a meal or when they might be hungry or exhausted. Keep in mind the room you bathe your baby needs to be warm.
Keep everything in hand, including a bay bath or clean washing up bowl which is filled with warm water, 2 towels, a clean nappy and clothes as well as cotton wool.
You need to remember that the water needs to be warm, not hot. First, run cold water and add the warm water. Make sure to check with your elbow.
You can add a liquid cleanser that is meant for babies. Hold your baby on your knee and clean their face. Wash the newborns’ hair with water while keeping in mind to support them over the bowl. After drying their hair gently you may take off their nappy and clean any mess if needed.
Gently lower your baby into the bowl while using one hand to hold their upper arm and remembering to support their head and shoulders. Use your other hand to swish the water gently over your baby while keeping in mind not to splash.
Lift your baby out and pat them dry. Next empty the bath water once done.
You can massage your baby and help them relax. You might want to use baby lotion to help the baby relax. Make sure to check if the body lotion is suitable for babies.
