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HOW TO BATH YOUR BABY

You won’t believe what a fulfilling experience bathing your baby can be. Make the experience a safe one by following the few simple guidelines below. Remember, you only need to bathe a young baby every 2 or 3 days. In between those times you can ‘top ‘n’ tail’ to clean his or her bottom, neck and skin creases, again detailed below.

Bath-time basics

• Baby bath
  Suitable from newborn – shaped sides for closer contact, a slip-resistant textured base and pad, and arm rest to help you support baby.
  
  
  
   
• Top 'n' Bowl
  Use a specially designed bowl to clean his or her bottom, neck and skin creases.
  
  
  
  
  
   
• Baby box
  Keeps essential toiletries and nappies organised in one place.
  
   
• Thermometer
  Tests the temperature of the water.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
• Cuddle 'n' dry rode
  Keeps your baby warm after bath time.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
• Bath support
  Provides comfort and support when you use a full-size bath.

 

 

 

Bath-time tips

Little nuggets of advice to make bath-time a pleasure for both of you:

• Make sure the room is warm enough for your little one
• Gather everything you need before undressing your baby
• Place your baby on a changing mat on the floor while running water
• The ideal bath temperature is between 36-38(°C)/97-100(°F). Always run cold water first. Check temperature with your elbow or a thermometer before putting your baby in the bath
• Don’t overfill. Keep to 5-8cms (2-3 inches deep)
• Support your baby’s shoulders with one hand, tucking your fingers under their armpit and support their legs or bottom with the other. Slowly lower into bath
• Use both hands when lifting out making sure towel and mat are close
• Ensure you dry the folds of your baby’s neck, legs and under arms
• Most importantly, never ever leave your baby unattended in the bath for even the shortest amount of time - not even to answer the door or phone

Topping and tailing
 

	Place your baby on a flat surface on a towel or changing mat with optional towel for head support.
	Using cotton wool and cooled boiled water, wipe from the inner part of the eye outwards.
	Clean hands and feet with a fresh piece of dampened cotton wool then dry.
	Pay close attention to washing and drying creases in back of neck.
	Wipe nappy area with cotton wool dampened with warm water or baby lotion.
	Pat baby thoroughly dry all over ready to put on a fresh nappy.

A little help with hair
 

	Wash hair by wrapping baby in a towel, tuck baby under one arm while kneeling and hold baby's head over the bath. Dampen and rinse your baby's hair.
	Pat dry carefully.
	Bathe your baby separately