Bath-time for Beginners

 

 

Until your little one is actually down on all fours getting dirty, daily bathing is not a necessity, and a light bathing schedule with daily sponging of the vital areas such as the face, neck, hands and bottom after feeding or changing will keep your baby sweet smelling and will be particularly welcome, especially in the first few weeks, until you have fully adjusted to motherhood.

The sponge bath:

1. Select a bath site, making sure that the chosen room is of the right temperature and draught-free. Your work surface should be at a level that is easy for you to carry out the bathing. A kitchen surface that has been thoroughly washed, your bed or even the floor will provide a suitable setting by simply covering the work surface with a thick towel or a waterproof sheet.
2. Before undressing your baby, make sure that you have all the necessary equipment at hand.

• Clean cotton wool balls for cleaning the eyes
• Baby soap and shampoo
• Facecloth or sponge
• Dry towel, preferably with a hood to dry baby's head
• Prefolded clean nappy and clothing
• Creams and powder

3. Begin by removing your baby's clothing, covering him with a towel as you do so, this will give him a sense of security, as most babies do not like the feeling of being totally bare. If it is particularly cool, remove and replace clothing as you are ready to wash.
   Bathing should always start with washing the cleanest areas first, so that the face cloth and water you are using will stay relatively clean
   
   Face: Using a clean cotton wool ball moistened with warm water, clean baby's eyes by gently wiping from the nose outwards, making sure to use a clean piece for each eye. Dry all parts of the face thoroughly with a clean towel or cloth.
   Head: Wiping baby's head with a clean cloth is all that is needed, if you plan to give baby a full shampoo another day.
   
   Body: Soap is not necessary, unless baby is very sweaty or dirty from a feed. Make sure to get into all the abundant creases, rinsing well if soap has been used
   
   
   Nappy area: Follow the directions for the care of a circumcised and uncircumcised penis and the cleansing of the umbilical area. Wash boys by carefully wiping all the creases with soap and water, but don't try retracting the foreskin in an attempt to clean the penis. When washing your baby girl, remember to wipe from the front backwards, changing the section of the cloth with each wipe. A white discharge is normal and shouldn't be wiped away. Dry the bottom and apply a suitable barrier cream.
   
   Dress baby
   As a new mother you may find yourself enjoying the cleaning rituals, which can be done at almost any time of the day, though a warm relaxing bath just before bedtime will help induce a more calm and peaceful state conducive to sleep. Do try though to avoid bathing just after a meal as the constant handling may result in your baby spitting up, and it is very unlikely that she will want to cooperate on an empty stomach.

The full bath

1. If you are using a portable bath, any room in the house will be suitable, but with the probability of water messing on the floor, it may be wise to choose a room that isn't carpeted. Bathing your baby in the normal family bath may add extra strain on your back, and you may find it easier to use the kitchen sink. Whatever your choice, be sure that you are comfortable and in a position to fully support your baby, as soapy babies are slippery babies.
2. Have all the bath paraphernalia ready before you undress your baby.

• Portable bath, tub, sink or basin that is spotlessly clean.
• Suitable baby soap and shampoo.
• Clean cotton wool balls for the cleaning of the eyes.
• Sponge or face cloth.
• Clean dry towel.
• Ointment or barrier cream.
• Prefolded nappy and clothing

3. Fill bath with warm water, testing the temperature with your elbow, before emerging your baby in the water. Don't add any bath additives to the water, as these can be drying to the baby's skin.
4. Undress baby and wrap her firmly in a towel.
5. Moisten a few balls of cotton wool with the warm bath water and gently clean her eyes and face.
6. Lie her along your extended arm, gently apply warm water to her head, shampoo and rinse and rub dry with the towel.
7. If the room is warm, you may find it easier to apply the soap to her body before you put her into the bath, this will make it simpler to reach all those unseen places without the fear of her slipping out of your grip.
8. Gently lift her into the bath, and support her neck and body by inserting your fingers under the arm furthest from you. With your free hand, lightly bathe her with the warm water while talking in soothing and reassuring tones to minimize her fear.
9. Lift her out and onto the prepared towel, pat her dry, apply the necessary creams and powders and dress.

Ear care
The ear is naturally self-cleaning, and trying to remove wax by means of a cotton bud can be dangerous, and will only cause the wax and dirt to move further into the ear rather wait until it has moved to the outer area and gently remove it with a slightly damp piece of cotton wool. If you notice an extreme wax build up, consult your doctor.

Nose care
As with the ears, the nose is also self-cleaning and needs no extra care. Discharge can be removed with a tissue, but do not use an ear-bud, a twisted tissue or even your fingernail for that matter in an attempt to remove any material from the inside of the nose. This will only cause damage to the delicate membranes.

Nail care
This may seem quite a daunting task at first, but unfortunately it is necessary as tiny hands with little control can do a fair amount of damage if the baby accidentally scratches his face. Forcing a baby to keep absolutely still while you proceed to cut his nails, is normally impossible, so it may be a good idea to trim them while he is asleep, or alternatively ask someone to steady each hand for you. Baby scissors which are rounded at the ends and specially designed for this purpose are the best to use, as it ensures that nobody gets stabbed in the process. To avoid nipping the skin, press the finger pad down and out of the way as you trim, even with all these precautions though, most moms at one time or another do occasionally draw blood, but this however should not be serious.

Penis care

Uncircumcised penis
Contrary to popular belief, no special care is needed for an uncircumcised penis, and by forcibly retracting the foreskin to clean under it with soap, cotton wool or even antiseptic for that matter can actually be harmful. Washing it with soap and water along with all the other body parts, is all that is needed to keep it clean. At birth the foreskin is firmly attached to the glans and separation can occur at any time from two to ten years, once the foreskin has clearly separated, it can be gently retracted and cleansed, and this can be taught to your son as soon as you feel ready.

Circumcised penis
Following a circumcision, there may be slight oozing and soreness, but once this has healed, ordinary washing with soap and water will do the trick. The gauze on the penis will soak off easily and does not need to be replaced. Nappies should be changed often so that urine and faeces do not irritate and cause infection in the surgical area. If a plastic ring has been used, it is left on after the circumcision. This will slip off once the circumcision is completely healed - about 7-10 days.

Umbilical care
Healing belly buttons always look and smell worse than they actually are especially as it takes on a black appearance shortly after birth. It can be expected though to fall off between one and four weeks following the birth and by taking scrupulous care when cleaning and exposure to air will help in aiding the healing process. Try folding the nappy down below the stump, to keep it free of urine and help in exposing it to air. As part of your daily cleaning routine dab the area with a small piece of cotton wool that has been soaked in surgical spirits to ensure proper cleansing and hasten the drying process. If however the area does become inflamed or starts oozing, it may mean that infection has set in and it would be wise to contact your doctor, this will then be cleared by means of an antibiotic.