BATHING TIME FOR BABY

Bathing your baby is an excellent time to be close, make sure the room is warm 23-25deg with no draughts.
at first you wont need a 'proper' bath, the sink will do, or a large bowl.

A great time to bath baby is after a feed when he is full and contented.
Make sure you have everything you need to hand, towel, clothes, nappy etc, its impossible to try to collect everything with a wet wriggling baby on your hip.

Fill the baby bath with 2-3 inches (5-7 centimetres) of water.
Check the temperature with your elbow, never your hand. Use a bath thermometer if you are uncertain.
If you are using the sink, be sure to pad the taps with a towel or clothes so baby cannot be hurt.

Undress baby, leaving nappy ON                                                                                                          

wrap baby in a towel                                                                                                          

wash babys face with plain water and dry, doing each side with a separate piece of cotton wool, this way if baby has any infection in the eye, you wont transfer it to the other.
NEVER use soap on or near babys face.

Place him under your arm in a'rugby-ball' hold! Wash hair, using flat of hand with circular movements, avoiding tender fontanelles. Rinse well.
dry hair with a corner of the towel, do not unwrap baby.

Take nappy off.
Transfer baby to bath holding him with your arm across the back, and supporting arms and legs. Head supported on wrist, below thumb.
Once in the bath, the head will remain supported with body free. Wash baby's body with a sponge, gently washing genitalia (from front to back in girls).
It is ok to use a gentle baby bath oil/foam at this time, unless there are allergies in the family, in which case wait untill later to use.

Lift baby from the bath to your lap/changing mat to dry. They can be slippery!

Dry thoroughly, especially in creases.

If the cord still attached, check it is clean and dry

At this stage you can decide if you wish to massage your baby.
Massaging will relax him, and its a very good bonding tool for you too.

Here are some tips for a delightful massage

To begin..
Place your fingers on your eyelids and massage your eyes gently.
That is the level of pressure you need when massaging a newborn. In small areas use fingertip 'strokes' and in larger areas, the palm of your hand for 'massage'. The movements should be slow, to avoid startling your baby.

Most people use baby lotion for this, which is ideal, and leaves baby smelling wonderful too.

Now how to massage
Face
Gentle fingertip, 'strokes' upwards across the cheekbones, forehead and around to the base of the neck. Using circular movements around the mouth, gently massage upwards around the eyes, eyelids, nose and ears.
Using small strokes massage the posterior part of the neck with slow movement down the shoulders.

Arms
By forming a ring with your finger and thumb, start at the armpit and then gently go down each arm.
At the wrist area you can use fingertip motions in the palm.

Legs
Caress each leg gently with the whole of your hand and massage upwards. Flex the knees and press the thighs gently against the body.
Massage your baby's foot by starting on the toes and then gentle pressure on the foot with circular motion to the heels. This can relieve stomach pains!

Body
Use a circular, clockwise motion to massage the abdomen beginning just below the ribs. (Be careful just after a feed!). Avoid the genitalia. Gently turn your baby on his/her back.
Use small circular movements with your fingertips, but avoid massaging the spine. Using large slow movements massage upwards to the shoulder blades.

Thats all there is to it!!
Dress baby and you will have a sweet smelling relaxed baby, all ready to sleep.