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Children's Health
Bathing 
Bathing
is an enjoyable time between you and your baby. Your new born baby during the
first six weeks does not necessarily need a full bath every day. A soft wash cloth
or cotton wool and some warm water will do to clean him up especially till the
baby's umbilical cord drops off. It is important not to get the belly button area
wet, where the umbilical cord is still attached.
Once
you start on the water bath routine, it is very good for your babies health if
you massage him with any baby oil before bathing. This is practiced traditionally
in some countries. It is a wonderful way to lavish your baby with the attention
she needs and loves. This massage aids food absorption, promotes sleep, builds
immunity and develops muscle tone and coordination. 
Bathing
Tips
- Until your baby's navel has healed, do sponge
baths (cleaning only the parts of your baby that really need attention-her hands,
face, neck and diaper area).
- Make sure that you have everything
ready before the bath so you will not have to leave your baby. Never ever leave
the baby alone in the bath even for a second.
- Always test the water with
your elbow, the water should feel just warm. The temperature felt by the hand
may feel right, but may scald the delicate skin of the baby.
- If you use
a baby bathtub, it will make bath time easier for you.
You
will need
- Towel (two preferably,
one for the head and the other for the body)
- Cotton balls
- If
you want to massage your baby take ordinary baby oil or almond oil which
is soothing to the skin. Instead of baby oil, you could use cooled paste
of turmeric powder mixed with milk, boiled together provided your baby does not
have an allergy.
- Baby Soap (instead of soap you can use green gram flour
or besan flour)
- Foam Pad or rubber mat ( to lay on the bottom of the sink
so that she won't slip)
How to bathe your Baby?
- Always clean the baby's face first. Dip a cotton wool or wash cloth
in warm water and squeeze out excess water. Wipe her eyes from the inside corner
to the outside. Use a clean part of the washcloth or a separate piece of cotton
for the other eye. Don't use soap on her face.
- Again with another piece
of cotton wool or washcloth wipe her ears- over and behind each year with the
washcloth. Don't try to wipe inside.
- Wash her body with a soapy
cloth or in warm water in a tub. Lower him into the tub with his head supported
on your arm and your hand holding her firmly around her shoulder and upper arm.
Be sure to wash in between creases in her neck, arms and legs. Wash her bottom
carefully from front to back. Hold her firmly with both hands while lifting her
out of the water as she will be slippery.
- After her body is washed, wrap
her in a dry towel on your lap and dry him thoroughly in between creases as well.
- Hold
her head in one hand and supporting the back along your forearm like a football,
pour water gently from the tub on the head and do not splash water on her face.
Wash the hair and scalp using circular movements with a little soap or shampoo.
- Pat his head dry with a fresh towel.
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