During your child’s first weeks while the umbilical cord is still attached, it is best to give them a sponge bath every other day or so. The areas that you need to pay attention to are the infants scalp, eyes, neck, and bottom. These four areas collect the most bacteria, and it is important to clean with a clean damp wash cloth and mild soap the eyes should only be cleaned with warm water. For the child’s scalp you can simply use a wet washcloth and a pea size amount of mild soap or shampoo, work into a lather and rinse in the sink with a small plastic cup or container, make sure to wrap your child in a blanket so you can have a better hold of them and they can feel secure while they are being cleaned.
Infants do not need to have frequent baths so a sponge bath is enough for getting those crucial areas for the next few weeks. Once the umbilical cord falls off, it is best to wait an extra few days to make sure the belly button has completely healed. Some babies enjoy their bath while others have a difficult time adjusting to the different temperatures and sensations a bath can bring on, making sure the water temperature is warm, and having a warm washcloth placed on your baby’s chest while you bathe them helps them regulate their body temperature, as well as making sure the temperature in the room where the child will have his bath is warm.
All of these tips will help to ensure your child will enjoy their bath time a lot more. Try to not feel overwhelmed if your child does not enjoy their bath right away, sometimes it can take a few try’s for them to get used to their baths. Hang in there Mamas, you got this!