Bathing Your Baby: Sponge Bath

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Your baby’s first baths are usually sponge baths, since you need to keep the cord area dry until the stump falls off, usually ten days to two weeks after the birth (Darin’s stumps fails off at ten days after birth). A sponge bath also helps reduce the risk of infection in the circumcision area. You should probably plan to use sponge baths for one to three weeks after the birth, depending on the circumstances. Talk to your doctor.

Checklist

Prepare a checklist and have everything ready so you do not have to leave your baby or take him out of the bath to retrieve something.

Temperature

Make sure the room temperature is comfortable so your baby does not get too cold. You can keep him covered with an extra towel as you clean different parts of his body.

Bathtub

Use a small plastic tub lined with a bath sponge for security. Set up the plastic tub in the kitchen sink or regular bathtub.

Position

Lay your baby in the tub (without water). Hold him firmly (bud not too tight!) so he feels secure.

Washing

Wash your baby’s face and hair gently with a little water and a washcloth. Then wash his body with mild soap and a wet washcloth. Be gentle as you clean your baby. His skin is sensitive, and these first washings can help prepare him for the next step-the tub filled with water.

Rinsing

Rinse off the soap with a little water, being careful not to get the cord wet. Be especially gentle around your baby’s genitals, especially if he is been circumcised. Rinse the washcloth frequently to keep it from spreading germs. Check the folds and crevices in your baby’s skin to make sure you got them clean.

Drying

If you cant, dry each are after you have washed it, to prevent your baby from getting chilled. Otherwise, dry your baby with a soft towel when you are finished washing. A hooded towel works best because you can keep your baby’s head warm. Chat with him as you dry him, using a soft voices and a pleasant look.