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How to Bathe a Baby that Parents Must Know

How to bathe a baby is one of the skills that every parent must-have. However, not a few couples, especially new parents, still feel nervous when bathing their baby. Therefore, let's look at how to bathe the right baby.

Bathing a baby should not be done carelessly. Various things need to be considered and you are also required to be more careful. For example, avoid bathing the baby after he has finished feeding or eating so that the baby does not vomit.

Apart from that, there are still many things to know about how to properly bathe your baby so that you can do it well and smoothly.

How to Bathe a Baby that Parents Must Know
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Various Equipment that Needs to be Prepared

Before starting the process of bathing the baby, prepare all the baby toiletries first. Place all toiletries in an easily accessible place, for example around the baby bath

The following are the essential equipment needed to bathe a baby:
  • A flat and safe surface, such as a crib or changing table
  • Towels and changing mats
  • Water to bathe the baby and make sure the water used is not too hot or cold
  • Dipper to drain the water
  • Soft cloth for wiping baby's body
  • Changing clothes and diapers

The use of soap is not recommended when bathing a baby. However, if needed, you can use baby skin cleaning products with a soap-free label to prevent irritation and dry skin in babies.

In addition, you can also use soap that contains mild chemicals instead of regular soap. Also, avoid using baby soap with fragrance and antibacterial content because it can irritate the baby's skin.

Tips and how to bathe a baby

The following are the steps or how to bathe the baby that you can do:
  1. Fill the baby bath with warm water with a temperature of about 32o Celsius and a water level of about 7 cm.
  2. Lay the baby on a changing mat or towel, slowly undress the baby.
  3. Use one hand and your arm to support the baby's head and body, while the other hand to support the baby's lower body.
  4. Place the baby into the tub slowly, starting with the feet. Keep one hand supporting the baby's back and head, while your other hand cleans the baby's body.
  5. Keep the baby's head position so that it is always above the surface of the water.
  6. Clean the baby starting from the eyelids with a cotton swab or soft cotton cloth dipped in warm water. Use a different cloth for each eye.
  7. Continue by cleaning the baby's nose, ears and face.
  8. If using soap, pour a small amount or apply a thin layer on your skin before rubbing it on the baby's skin.
  9. Wipe slowly and gently when cleaning the baby's armpits, behind the ears, neck, and genitals.
  10. Gently shower the baby's head and entire body with a dipper, then wipe with a clean cloth or washcloth.
  11. When you're done, gently lift the baby out of the tub.
  12. Immediately place the baby on a bed that has been given a towel.
  13. Gently dry each part of the baby's body with a soft towel.

If you're wondering, is it necessary to give baby lotion and oil after bathing? Actually no. If you want to use it, you are advised to give it when the baby is over 1 month old.

In addition, the best natural cleanser for the baby's body and skin is clean water without any mixture. Therefore, you do not need to mix soap or any other ingredients into baby bathwater.

The important thing that you also need to remember is never to leave the baby alone in the tub even for a moment. This is because the baby has not been able to balance his body so he is at risk of drowning or choking on water if left alone. Try to involve the role of breastfeeding fathers in bathing the baby. In addition to preventing choking, this can also strengthen the bond between father and son.

Those are some tips and things that need to be prepared when bathing a baby. If you are still confused or unsure about how to bathe your baby, you can consult a pediatrician to ask more detailed questions about tips and how to bathe your baby properly.