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After your baby is born, there are various things that
you may have to learn and it is important that you take
proper precautions while carrying out each and every
task. Bathing a slippery baby can make you nervous
and uncomfortable.
The first few times can be really tricky, but with a little practice and under some elder person’s supervision, you will soon be a pro.
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baby bath tips Let us discuss few that can help you to master the technique.
Giving a bath to your baby depends on how old the
baby is. For a newborn, you can opt for twice or thrice
a week provided his diaper areas are regularly cleaned
and hands and face washed several times a day.
As your baby grows, he will need a more regular
bathing and once she starts crawling and eating hard
food, then it is essential to give a bath daily.
When to give
baby a Bath?
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For newborns, it is better to bathe before meal time,
but not when he is too hungry. For older babies, you
may clean him up at night as this helps to soothe them
and have a good sleep.
A baby doesn’t always needs a tub of water to clean.
Most pediatrics suggests that you should sponge the
baby until the umbilical cord falls off.
To Sponge or give
a full Baby Bath
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This may take up to three weeks, so it is best to sponge
bathe him to avoid the cord getting wet.
For this, have a bucket or basin of warm water and a
sponge or washcloth. Soak the wash cloth and rinse
well, now gently wipe the limbs taking care of the cord
Once the cord has fallen off, you can give your baby a
big bath. Babies may not get very dirty, but make sure
to check few places that do accumulate dirt like the
folds at the back of neck, thighs and knees, armpits and
behind the ears. Use a baby soap to clean the areas.
Many times, you will find that your baby screams
when putting him into the water. This may either mean
that the water is too hot or cold or he is hungry or he
doesn’t want to be alone.
Make bathing
enjoyable for your
baby?
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You can do few things to make bath time more
interesting and enjoyable.
Get the water ready and undress your baby and
yourself and enjoy the bath together. You can also place
some floating toys to engage your baby.
Baby’s skin is very soft and sensitive and can cause
irritation if adult soap or shampoo is used.
Soap use for your
baby?
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Use mild baby soap and try a test rub on a small part
of the body. In case the skin reddens or dries up, do not
use the soap.
You can consult a dermatologist for any allergy or
irritation. Do not use soap regularly as this can dry the
skin.
Since babies are particularly sensitive, it is better to use
soap or shampoo that has fewer additives like
fragrances or abrasives. Use baby washes that are tear-
free and gentle.
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Bathing your baby can be real fun but you need to
ensure that your baby is safe in the bathroom. Before
the bath, check the room temperature and the water. It
should not be too hot or cold as this can cause
discomfort to your baby.
Always make sure that the bathroom is not slippery
and do not keep your baby under running water.
Bath time
Caution
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Use a bath tub instead and keep your baby’s head out
of water.
Keep your essential things handy and never leave your
baby unattended in water even for seconds.
Follow the baby bathing tips and make bath time fun
and easy for your baby.