Q: Bathtime basics?

Posted Wednesday, March 14, 2007 10:46 PM

Q: I'm scared to give my one-month-old a bath by myself. What's the safest way to do it?

A: Follow a few basic precautions, and there’s nothing to be afraid of... except baby's shrieks of protest. (Infants often hate their first baths.) Most important: Never, ever, ever leave baby alone in a bath, not even for a second. Yes, this is obvious, but it's too crucial not to mention. If you absolutely must leave the bathroom, pick up your dripping baby and take him with you. Infants can quickly drown in less than an inch of water. 

Use a plastic newborn bathtub that fits in the kitchen sink. This gives you more control and is easier on your back than bending over the tub. Wash baby by pouring warm water over him with a plastic bowl. This keeps him from slipping into the water and inhaling it or getting startled. Once he's able to sit up, you can fill the tub up to his midsection, the same way you'd bathe yourself.

Test the water with your elbow (a better gauge than your hand) to be sure it isn't too hot. Never put baby in the tub while the water is running, because the temperature can change suddenly and cause burns. Once baby is wet, gently wash him with a soft washcloth and super-mild soap, then use the bowl to rinse again. Finally, use caution when lifting him out of the tub and wrapping him in a towel (preferably one with a hood and bunny ears) -- brand new skin is extra slippery when wet.

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