How to Get a Newborn in a Bathing Routine

Getting your newborn baby into a routine early helps give him a sense of stability as he learns about the world around him. Bathing your baby in the evening will help him eventually understand the difference between daytime naps and bedtime because he will learn to associate the bath with sleeping. Even bathing your baby in a routine pattern teaches him to expect and respond to different sensations in a certain way. Because newborns shouldn̵7;t be immersed in water until after the umbilicus completely heals, they have to start with a sponge bath.

Things You'll Need

  • Large, soft towel
  • Soft washcloth
  • Fresh diaper
  • Clean pajamas
  • Small basin
  • Hooded baby towels
  • Small towels
  • Petroleum jelly (for circumcised boys)
  • Gauze (for circumcised boys)

Instructions

    • 1

      Assemble the items you need within easy reach. For a sponge bath, all you need is a soft, firm surface that you don̵7;t mind getting wet. The kitchen counter or the baby̵7;s changing table both work well. Cover the area with a large, soft towel such as an adult bath towel. Lay the washcloth, fresh diaper and clean pajamas on one side of the changing table.

    • 2

      Fill a small basin with about 2 inches of comfortably warm water. Remember the water will cool as you bathe the baby. If possible, ask a partner to fill the basin with warm water as you undress the baby.

    • 3

      Undress the newborn and remove his diaper. Swaddle him tightly in the hooded baby towel to keep him warm.

    • 4

      Start washing the newborn̵7;s eyes. Dip the washcloth into the warm water and with a corner of the clean washcloth, wipe the baby̵7;s eyes from the inner corner out. Some babies will cry or resist this. Comfort the baby if he seems to feel any distress. Wipe the rest of the baby̵7;s face with the washcloth. Dry the face with the second, smaller towel. This can be a hand towel or a second hooded baby towel. Rinse the cloth with water.

    • 5

      Remove the hood from the newborn̵7;s head. Be sure to support the baby's head when lifting him for any reason. Sponge the baby̵7;s hair with the washcloth. Wipe behind the baby̵7;s ears and under his chin. Be sure to spread the creases of skin at the neck with your fingers to wipe them clean. Dry the head with the second towel. Re-cover with the hood.

    • 6

      Unwrap one side of the newborn̵7;s body. Supporting his head, clean under his arm and around his back. Wipe between each finger and across the palm. Wrap the towel around the clean side. Unwrap the other side of his body and repeat the process.

    • 7

      Open the bottom of the towel and expose the baby̵7;s lower body. Wash around the umbilicus stump. Dry the cord by fanning it with a towel. Lift the baby by his feet and wipe his genitals and bottom from front to back. Remove the dressing on circumcised boys. Clean around the scrotum and bottom. Wipe the creases where the thigh meets the bottom, spreading any folds in the skin. Pat the area dry and cover with the hooded towel.

    • 8

      Wipe the legs, stretching the knees to wipe in the folds behind the leg. Wipe between each toe.

    • 9

      Unwrap and diaper the baby̵7;s bottom. Change the dressing on the circumcision for little boys. Add a dab of petroleum jelly and cover with gauze. This prevents the diaper from sticking to the tender area. Fold the top of the diaper down to keep the umbilical stump open to the air. Dress the baby.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • What Environmental Factors Affect Physical Development From Birth to 1 Year Old?
      All babies progress developmentally through specific milestones: for example, lifting the head, rolling over, cutting the first tooth, crawling and walking. However, environmental factors can hinder or negatively affect a babys growth and physical de
    • What Is the Vernix and Why Is It Important?
      If you’ve ever seen a just-born baby, you might’ve noticed that his skin is covered in cheesy, white clumps or patches. What is this stuff — and when your little one comes into the world, should you leave it there or clean it off ri
    • How to Clean a Newborn Baby
      Sweet, soft and precious to behold, newborn infants wont need a daily bath for several months. A little ones sensitive skin needs washing no more than twice a week to stay supple and clean. With a little patience and preparation, parents can make bab