Baby Bath: How To Do It?
Dr. Valleteau de Moulliac,
Consulting Pediatrician for Laboratoires Sarbec
The bath is certainly a way to wash your baby, but it is (and should be) also a special moment of bonding, sharing, enjoyment, and exercise (your baby stretches, unfolds, wiggles, etc.), so it’s a time of relaxation for both your baby and you.
That’s why you need to have the time and the necessary availability. Give the bath calmly without worrying about anything else.
You can bathe your baby every day, but it’s better not to do it if it has to be rushed, stressful, or if your baby has very dry skin (in that case, bathing every other day is enough).
It’s preferable to give the bath at the same time as a ritual, and ideally in the evening to help your baby relax and fall asleep, if your family schedule allows.
- At first, give short baths (you can even wash your baby on the changing table and then rinse them) and gradually increase the duration if your baby enjoys it.
- The bath water should be lukewarm, around 37°C—check with a bath thermometer or your elbow before putting your baby in; make sure the room temperature is right, at 22°C.
- Make yourself comfortable and, as long as you are not using your bathtub, place the baby bath at a good height, on the changing table or whatever serves as one, so you don’t have to bend over, get tired, and can better hold your baby.
- Have everything you need for the bath within reach so you never leave your baby alone.
- Use a gentle hypoallergenic cleansing gel with a neutral pH to respect the sensitivity of your baby’s delicate skin.
- Hold your baby securely by supporting their head in the crook of your elbow, your hand under their bottom, fingers encircling the thigh, so you can wash and rinse with the other hand, then turn them onto their stomach while keeping their head above water.
- Gently wash the hair and rinse it with bath water.
- Dry your baby well on a terry towel after the bath, paying special attention to all the folds, then continue with the rest of the care routine.
