How to give your newborn's bath

Bath time is a wonderful opportunity for mothers and fathers to get to know their baby and strengthen their emotional bonds through speech, sight and touch. Like you were taught at hospital, continue to give your baby his bath at home. Give your baby a sponge bath or wash him in the bathtub. A bath allows your baby to stay warmer. The water should be the right temperature, that is, body temperature. During the first few weeks of your newborn, you don't need to wash him more than 2 to 3 times a week. However, you should wash his face, neck, bottom and genital organs every day.

Prepare all the following before you undres your baby:

- Washcloth & towel

- Blanket in which to wrap the baby

- Clean clothes

- diaper

- Unscented mild white soap with neutral pH (if needed)

- Unscented moisturizing lotion or cream for dry skin

- Zinc oxide ointment or Vaseline (less expensive)

- Shampoo (if needed)

- Pair of small nail scissors

- A small, soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste (as soon a teeth appear)

Maintain the room temperature between 22C (72F) and 24C (75F). Do not use bubble bath or similar products because your baby's skin is sensitive.

During the first 2 to 4 weeks, you can use mild soap but not more than 3 times a week because it will removes the natural protection on your baby's skin and that can cause irritation.

Do not undress your baby right away to prevent him from getting cold. Wash his head and face first. Wash his face with water. Begin by washing around the eyes, starting at the inner corner near the nose and clean towards the outer corners of the eyes. Use a different corner of the washcloth for each eye. Use a different corner of a damp washcloth to clean outside and behind his ears. Be careful to not push the cloth too far into the ear. Do not use cotton swabs since they can damage the eardrum and push wax farther into the ear. Use another corner of the cloth to clean your baby's nostrils. If your baby's nose is blocked, it is important to clear it. If needed, wash his head once or twice a week with mild unscented soap or baby shampoo.

Carefully wash the folds in your baby's neck. Undress and remove the diaper. Quickly wash the entire body with a washcloth dipped in lukewarm water, without rubbing.

Use a plastic tub, a clean bathroom or even in the bathtub with you. You should never leave the baby alone for any reason not even for a second. If the doorbell or telephone rings, take the time to put your baby in his crib or bring him with you or you may just not answer it..

Put from 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5inch) of water in the tub, enough to cover your baby to his shoulders. Spread out a washcloth in the bottom of a plastic tub to prevent your baby from slipping. To put your baby in the bathtub, place your arm under his neck to fully support his head, then place your hand under one armpits. Support his bottom and legs with your other hand. Gently slide the baby into the water to avoid frightening him. Soap and rinse him throroughly and talk to him while you bath him.

Wrap him in a dry towel to keep him warm. Dry him quickly and remember to dry the folds in his skin without rubbing. Powder is not recommended since breathing it in can cause respiratory problems. If you want to use powder, choose one that does not contain talc. Do not sprinkle the powder directly on the baby's bottom. Put a small amount in your hand and spread it around. If the buttocks are red and irritated, use a zinc oxide ointment or vaseline.

Cutting your baby's nails

The first week, his nail will be stuck to his skin. Do not cut them because you could injure him.

After several days, the tips of the nails will detach themselves from the skin. When the nails grow long enough you must cut them. Do after his bath when the water has softened them or when he is sleeping.