A SAVE BATHING BABY

2008-10-06T05:24:00.001-07:00

Here are some tips to keep baby happy and safe at bath time:
Set your hot-water heater at 120 degrees or lower.

Gather everything you need beforehand. Never leave your baby alone in the bath or on the changing table, not even for an instant. A child can drown in less than an inch of water.

If the phone rings - ignore it! Let the answering machine pick up.

Fill the tub with only 2 to 3 inches for newborns and infants up to six months old and never more than waist-high (in sitting position) for older children.

Test the water temperature to be sure it's not too hot - between 90 and 100°F is ideal.

In a large tub, use a non-slip mat and a supportive plastic bath seat if your baby needs help sitting up.

Cover the bathroom floor with non-slip rugs.

Teach your child to sit in the tub at all times.

Consider using a padded faucet cover to prevent bumps and burns, especially if your child is active.

Bathing can be fun! Bath time isn't just for getting clean! Try these activities for fun in the tub:

Play peek-a-boo with a rubber ducky or other water-friendly toy, dipping the toy under the water and bringing up onto your baby's belly, shoulder, etc.

Add a plastic boat or other floating device to the water and show your baby how the toy rocks when the water is splashed.
Punch holes in the bottom of an empty yogurt container. Fill it with bath water and make it "rain" in the tub.

Make a hand puppet by sewing washcloths together. Have the puppet sing or talk in a funny voice as you soap your baby with it.

Make "bath-soup" using spoons, measuring cups, strainers and other cooking utensils to stir and mix the water.
Anything plastic that floats, splashes, or squirts makes a great bath toy. Remember to clean the toys in hot soapy water.

from Johnsons baby

GIVING YOUR BABY A BATH

2008-09-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

You'll want to sponge-bathe your baby until his circumcision and umbilical cord stump have healed (usually a week to 10 days). Most parents prefer sponge baths during this time because it is easier to hold the baby without worrying about slippery bathwater.

Holding the baby's head, use a fresh cotton ball or square moistened with water for each eye. Wipe gently from the inside corner of the eye out.

Be careful with the soft spot on his head, but don't be afraid to touch it.

Using a soft washcloth and plain water, gently wipe your baby's entire face. Pay special attention to behind the ears and creases in the neck. Gently pat dry with a soft towel.
To clean nostrils, use a fresh cotton swab moistened with water to gently wipe just inside each nostril. Be careful not to push the swab or let water drip into his nose.

To clean ears, use a damp washcloth or cotton swab and clean the outer ear. Use a swab designed to help prevent entry too deep in your baby's ear.

Unwrap and remove the diaper. Wet and lather your hand or washcloth and wash the rest of your baby's body, washing the diaper area last.

To clean the genital area, always wipe from front to back to keep bacteria from the bowel from spreading to the genital area. Rinse and gently pat baby dry. Apply lotions or creams from front to back, too.

Moving up to the big tub:
When your baby is about 2 to 8 weeks old, he's probably ready for a small tub. A baby tub can sit in the kitchen sink or in the big tub, whichever is easier for you. When your baby is able to hold his head up and keep his back straight, he can move up to the grown-up tub. Be sure to put a non-slip mat on the bottom. You may also want to use a plastic bath seat. While this will give you an extra hand, it's not a substitute for keeping your eye on your baby at all times.

At first your baby may feel overwhelmed by the size of the bathtub. The sound and sensation of running bathwater may be disconcerting, so fill the tub before putting him in - just a couple of inches is all you'll need to do the job and let your baby splash without feeling scared.
-from Johnson baby-

BABY DAY CARE

A SAVE BATHING BABY

GIVING YOUR BABY A BATH