How To Bath Your Baby Correctly.

How often should a baby be bathed?- Most parent prefer to bath their babies on a daily basis, it is however really unnecessary until your baby starts crawling and getting into dirty. It's a fact, many parents and babies absolutely adore bath time but there is no evidence that suggests that babies need to be have a daily bath. It will really depend on you and your baby really. It is important to note that harsh soaps and even tap water can severely damage baby's soft, developing skin. Its thus recommended that you invest in gentle pH neutral cleansers or a mild soaps especially for babies and even then use it sparingly during the first couple of weeks.

What about between baths?- Frequently and thorough cleaning of face as well as genital area can be done after each and every nappy change as well as cleansing of any other obvious muck, will be more than sufficient in between baths. Don't be afraid to get a proper grip, some new parents find it a little scary to handle a little critter when he or she is all soapy and slippery. Most babies thoroughly enjoy the experience and find the warm water both soothing and relaxing.

Where should I bath my baby? - The use of a standard bath would not be recommended, due to the fact that it requires kneeling or awkward leaning over the little one, while also giving you less control over his or her movements. The use of a kitchen sink or small plastic baby bath would be best.

What's the best way to give my baby a bath?- Here are a few of tips on how to give your baby a bath and what you'll need to make the whole process a lot easier. With just a little luck and patients, bathing will become one of the most enjoyable part of your day:

Get all you need together- First things first, assemble all necessary bath accessories including soap, shampoo and plenty towels.

Temperature- Correct temperature for both the room and the water is absolutely essential. Make sure the room is warm and the bath water is comfortably warm but not scorching. Approximately 38 C or 100. 4 F will be just right to help baby retain the right body heat

Water levels- Newborns and babies up to age six months, fill the bath with approximately five inches water, or enough to cover baby's shoulders well, not an inch higher. Older children should never bath in water level more than waist-high while in a sitting position.

Undressing- Avoid undressing your baby until brought to the bath area. This will be unsettling while also exposing baby to the risk of catching a cold.

Slowly now- While holding baby firmly, gradually slip your baby into the water using one hand to support the neck and head.

Actual washing process- Use your hand or a sponge to apply soap sparingly from baby's top to bottom and front to back. If you want to cleanse baby's ears, eyes and face a moistened cotton wool ball without any soap will do just the trick. Genitals' will require only routine washing. Dried mucus inside nose or eyes, can also be removed by merely dabbing with moistened cotton ball and wiping it away.

Rinse thoroughly- A sponge or flannel can be used to rinse the little body thoroughly

Drying- Wrap baby in a warm towel and pat gently to dry properly. Apply mild moisturising in case of dry skin or nappy rash.

By: Annie Deakin

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Annie is an expert furniture and interior design writer. Her current area of specialism is coffee tables, furniture and living room