BABY HEALTH

BATHING BABY

Daily spongings, in such critical places as face, neck, hands and bottom, can stand in between dunks. For those babies, however, who find it a treat, a daily bath becomes a treasured ritual.

Just about any time of the day can be the right time for a newborn bath, though bathing just before bedtime will help induce the more relaxed state conducive to sleep. (Once baby's spending the days getting dirty, night-time baths will just make the most sense on all fronts - and backsides.) Avoid baths just after or just before a meal, since spitting up could be the result of so much handling on a full tummy, and baby may not be cooperative on an empty one. Allot plenty of undivided time for the bath, so it won't be hurried and you won't be tempted to leave baby unattended even for a second to take care of something else. Let the answer phone pick up the phone during the bath.

While you are using a portable bath, any room in the house can accommodate the procedure, though with all the splashing and dripping, the kitchen or bathroom provides the most suitable setting. Your work surface should be at a level that's easy for your maneuvering and roomy enough for all the paraphernalia it must hold. For baby's comfort, especially in the early months, turn off fans and air conditioners until the bath is over, and be sure the room you choose is warm (24° to 27°C/75° to 80°F, if possible) and draught free. If you have a hard time achieving such a temperature range, try warming the bathroom first with shower steam.

ALSO CHECK

SPONGE BATH before umbilical cord is healed

THE BABY BATH after the umbilical cord is healed

  BABY NEEDS

  BABY CARE

NAIL TRIMMING
EAR & NOSE CARE
UMBILICAL STUMP CARE
BABY PENIS CARE
BURPING BABY
SWADDLING BABY
BATHING BABY
SHAMPOOING BABY
DRESSING BABY

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