What should your baby's first bath at home be like? It may be the question you ask yourself most urgently once your little one's umbilical cord has fallen off. Having everything you need and ensuring that the baby is comfortable, still and warm during the bath are surely some of your concerns. Do not panic! Below, we give you some guidelines and tips to make your baby's first bath a special and pleasant moment.
Finding a place that is comfortable and accessible for both baby and parents is the first step in ensuring the ideal bath. The bathtub is too large a space that will also force you to crouch and kneel. That's why it's best to do it in a basin inside the sink or sink. The baby will be at a suitable height for you and will have a safe, limited and adequate space to enjoy the water.
Make sure the water temperature is right, neither too hot nor too cold for your baby. To do this, let it run a little until it reaches a cold and pleasant temperature. Try it with the inside of your forearm, as it is an area of skin that is more sensitive than your hands.
You shouldn't use the first baby soap or shampoo you've seen. Choose hypoallergenic options that do not contain parabens or mineral oils and have been tested by pediatric dermatologists.
To avoid leaving your baby alone, you should have nearby everything you are going to use before, during and after the bath. By doing it in the sink, you have room to arrange everything you need: shampoo, gel, a clean diaper, wet wipes, a hooded towel, baby lotion and clean clothes.
We often forget to clean or insist on those less visible but vital parts of the baby's body in the baby's hygiene. We are talking, for example, about the folds of the neck or the space between the fingers and toes, where dirt tends to accumulate. The cheeks are another of those areas that you should insist on, since milk from the bottle usually spills or drips from them.
Wash the baby's head last, as this is the part of the body where they lose heat the fastest. If your head stays wet for too long, you could end up catching a cold. This way you will also avoid tears from the soap. When you're done, remember to have several wet wipes on hand to clean each area: one for the body, one for the diaper area, one for the face, and one for the head.
You won't be able to finish your bath routine without this object! Dress your little one in a hooded towel and help him dry off. This is the time when they most often stir due to the cold. Next, apply some baby lotion and give him a little massage on his arms, legs, back and tummy to help his skin stay hydrated.
