How to Bathe an Infant

Tips for Baby Bath Time

May 21, 2009 Amy Clarke

There are some supplies that need to be gathered prior to your baby's bath and some steps to be taken to ensure a positive experience.

Giving your baby a bath is not only important for your infant’s hygiene but it’s also an excellent way to relax your baby and a great way to bond too.

Steps For a Bath

Gather supplies
Fill the bathtub
Test water temperature
Place baby in the bath
Wash baby’s face and hair
Wash baby’s body
Remove baby from the bath

Gathering the Supplies Before the Bath

Bath supplies should be gathered before your baby is put into the bathtub because infants and children should never be left in a bath unattended.

Supplies Needed For Bathing a Baby

Infant bathtub
Shampoo, baby wash, or a head-to-toe wash product
Washcloths
A clean dry baby towel
Bath thermometer
Baby lotion

Preparing the Bath

If you are using a baby bathtub it should be filled with lukewarm water (around 75 F). The temperature should be tested with a bath thermometer to make sure it’s not too warm. Babies have very sensitive skin and can be burnt easily if the water is too hot. If you do not have a thermometer then the temperature of the water can be tested on a sensitive area of your own body, such as the inside of your wrist. It is dangerous to fill the bathtub with your baby in it because if the water ever changed temperature it could cause severe burns.

Time to Add a Baby

Once the bath water is a good temperature it is time to put your baby in the bath. Lower your baby into the bath slowly and make sure you never turn your head for even a second. Children can drown in less than an inch of water and it’s so very easy for a baby to slip even when in an infant bathtub. Give your baby your undivided attention when bathing. Let the answering machine pick up phone calls and don't run to answer the door. If you must interrupt the bath for some reason wrap your baby up in a dry towel and bring him/her with you.

Begin to Wash Your Baby

Once your baby has settled in the bathtub and has become accustomed to the water begin to wash using your baby soap/shampoo. Apply a small amount of soap to the washcloth and begin by washing your baby’s face and then hair. By washing the face first you can be sure that no dirty water will come in contact with your baby’s mouth and eyes. Work your way down washing all of the creases in your baby’s skin and end the bath after washing your baby’s bottom.

Take Baby Out of the Bathtub

A wet baby is a slippery baby; especially when they are wiggling around. Take caution and make sure you have a firm enough grip when you remove your baby from the bathtub. Have a baby towel handy and ready to use so your baby doesn’t catch a chill. A simple way to remove your baby from the bath and have the towel ready at the same time is to follow these steps:

Using one hand (the other should be holding onto your baby in the bathtub) lay the towel across you and hold the hooded part in your teeth.
Remove your baby from the tub and hold him/her against you facing the same way.
Pull the bottom corner of the towel up
Fold the sides in and make sure to pull the hood onto your baby’s head.

Using Baby Lotion

Many babies are prone to dry skin and soaking in a bathtub doesn’t generally help this problem. Use a quality baby lotion on your baby’s skin after each bath to re-moisturize. A baby’s skin can be very sensitive so use only specially made lotions that are for an infant’s skin.

Every time your baby has a bath it can be a special bonding experience and a lot of fun. It is very important to always be as safe as possible when bathing an infant so be certain to gather everything you will need in advance and always watch your child closely in the bathtub.

The copyright of the article How to Bathe an Infant in Infants & Toddlers is owned by Amy Clarke. Permission to republish How to Bathe an Infant in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

A Bathtub Toy and Washcloth