Here are a few bath time tips to keep in mind no matter how old your child is:
- Never leave a child unattended in the bath.
- Don't plan a bath when your baby is tired due to over exertion.
- Bath water should be approximately 37-39°C.
- Avoid a draughty location and if possible heat the room to a comfortable temperature.
- Prepare everything you will need in advance and place it within arm's reach.
- Prepare an area to place your baby as they come out from the bath and lay the towel out ready.
- When washing, start with the cleanest and most delicate areas first and work through to the dirtiest.
- Never place or push anything inside your baby's ear to clean them. A gentle wipe on the exterior of the ear is all that is necessary.
- Girls- Always wash a girl's genitals from front to back.
- Boys- Do not attempt to pull the foreskin back to clean underneath it. This will occur naturally over the first few years. If your son has been recently circumcised, avoid tub bathing until the wound has healed.
- Bath time naturally leads to massage time afterwards. Have everything ready for your massage like baby lotion or oil, so that your baby does not become cold.