Learners guide to... Bath Time!

Linda Barnier splashes some helpful tips your way

While most hospitals give parents the opportunity to learn how to bathe their newborn, it can be a bit nerve-wracking until you get the hang of it. But it does get easier and, before you know it, bathtime will become a wonderful way to relax and nurture your precious little one.

How often?

There’s no rule about how often you should bathe your baby – it depends
on your preferences, her likes, the climate and your family’s routine.
If you find it relaxing or your baby responds well you may want to include a bath in your daily routine. Otherwise there’s no need for a very young baby
to be bathed every day.
“During the first six to eight weeks mums are usually exhausted, so don’t make more work for yourself because there really is no need,” says Marie Clifford, a Tresillian day stay centre manager. “Once every two or three days is fine. Just top-and-tail on other days.”
You could start to bathe your baby every other day at around eight weeks, or when she starts to stay awake longer. At three months you may like to start bathing her every day. Otherwise, a daily bath is suggested when she starts crawling and eating solid food. Babies also get hot in summer, so consider giving her a cooling bath on a more regular basis during warmer months.
What time you bathe her is also up to you. Some mums, especially those with other children, find it easier in the morning when there’s more time, while others like to use it as a relaxing bedtime cue at night.

What is top and tailing?

On the days you don’t give your baby a proper bath you can get by with a quick ‘top and tail’. Using a clean washer and some warm water, wipe over baby’s face while she is on her change table or other suitable flat surface. Give the folds around her neck and arms a clean and then give her bottom a good wipe (always leave until last and wipe from front to back, and never use the washer elsewhere after you’ve wiped her bottom bits).

What you need

There are plenty of bath bits and bobs on the market but the only thing you really need is something clean to bathe your baby in. This can be a baby bath – they come in a variety of sizes, some even with their own stands and plugs for easy emptying – the home bath or some sort of container. Some mums bathe their babies in the laundry tub.
If you’re using the family bath don’t fill it with too much water – about
5-10cm is plenty. It may be easier (on you and your back) to get in with your baby but make sure there’s someone else around to hold the towel or hand the baby to when it’s time to get out.
Make sure your choice of bath works for you, too. A baby bath, tub or container needs to be at a height where you are not bending over or straining your back when you lift your baby in and out or empty out the water.
Non-slip mats, recliners and baby seats are just some of the extras you can buy and while none of them are necessary some mums do find them helpful. You may, however, want to consider where you will store them, as baby equipment tends to accumulate at an alarmingly rapid rate.
Alternatives, such as a folded-up towel at the bottom of the bath to help stop your newborn from slipping, don’t cost a thing and can work just as well.
No gadget should lull you into thinking that you can leave your baby. Not even in the care of an older sibling. Have everything you need around you and if you are interrupted, take your baby with you.
“Never, never leave your child alone in or near water,” Marie says. “Not
even for a moment.”

Safety first

Bath thermometers are an easy way to monitor water temperature, which should be around a maximum of 38°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the water with the inside of your wrist and if in doubt, it’s best to err on the cooler side. Always turn the cold water on first and the hot water off first.
Slippery floors, heaters and furniture become hazards when you’re juggling a wet baby. Consider the room you are bathing your baby in and try to reduce or eliminate potential hazards. Also, while you’re a bit sleep deprived, set the thermostat on your water heater to below 50°C to prevent scalding.

Most people feel apprehensive about holding a squirming little baby in the bath but it does get easier with practice. Most midwives now teach a holding technique where you rest your baby’s head on the inside of your arm and hold her little arm with your index finger and thumb. It gives a nice, secure hold and leaves the other hand free to do the washing.

Lotions and potions

Just using water on your baby’s hair is fine for newborns and young babies. When needed, a mild, moisturising soap can be used, but avoid using bubble bath and scented bath wash and soaps. Shampoo is also optional.
“Shampoos can be really irritating for babies,” Marie says. “Some of them are highly perfumed and can leave your baby’s scalp dry and scaly.
“When they get older you can use a bit of shampoo, if you like.”
If your baby has cradle cap, speak to your early childhood nurse or GP.
Most newborns don’t need moisturising cream after a bath, either. In fact, greasy lotions may block your baby’s tiny sweat glands. If her skin is dry, a simple, unperfumed moisturising cream works best.

“Keep it simple,” says Marie. “There’s no need for fancy stuff. A few drops of lavender oil in the bath water can be nice but it’s not necessary.
“When they start to run around and get a bit dirty is probably a good time
to start using a bit of mild soap.”

Timing it right

The time very young babies are happy and alert can be limited and a tired or hungry baby isn’t going to enjoy a bath.
“It’s all in the timing,” says Marie. “If they’re really fussing I usually find it’s because they’re hungry or tired, or both.
“If they have something to eat – perhaps just one breast or some of the bottle – there is a window of opportunity where they are relaxed and happy and this would be a nice time for their bath.
“When they start to get agitated or cranky again, finish up, give them the other breast or the rest of their bottle.”
Have fun bathing your baby. She will learn that it can be an enjoyable part of her daily routine and it can be a lovely bonding experience for parents and caregivers, too.

Be prepared

It’s a good idea to get your supplies together before you begin:

• wash cloth

• mild soap and baby shampoo (optional)

• cotton balls

• 2 towels

• hair brush

• nappy

• unperfumed lotion (optional).