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By the time the baby's navel and circumcision have healed, he's ready to
graduate from a sponge to a tub bath, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
His first tub bath should be a pleasant experience. It's his introduction to the
good feeling and enjoyment he'll find later in water play. Bathe him at a time
when he's not ravenously hungry, hold him securely, and use the right
temperature water, so that bathtime becomes a happy new ritual.
Use the same arrangements as for the sponge baths, except to substitute a small
tub or bath table for the basin or pan.
A bath table is convenient but a plastic tub that's large enough is also
satisfactory and easier to keep clean.
The first few times you give the baby a tub bath, use no more than 3 inches of
water in the tub so he will become accustomed to the water gradually.
Before you begin the baby's bath, scrub your hands and fingernails with warm,
soapy water and a brush. Have all sup- plies that you'll need laid out within
easy reach.
Test the water with either your wrist or elbow. It should feel comfortably warm.
If you don't trust this method, use a bath thermometer. Keep a pitcher of hot
water handy to warm the bath water.
Lift Baby onto clean towel on table. Keep a firm grasp as he is lowered into the
water so he will feel completely secure.
As in a sponge bath, use cotton swabs to clean only the outer ears, nostrils.
Don't poke in nostrils or inner ears.
Before washing the baby's hair, rinse his face with clear water, no soap, using
a soft washcloth. Then pat dry.
Baby's hair needs a shampoo about 3 times a week. Use clear water other times.
Soap his scalp well with a baby shampoo, using your hand. Hold his head over the tub and rinse his scalp with
washcloth. Support his back and hips with your arm, your hand supporting his
head, his legs tucked under your arm.
Leave Baby in his shirt and diaper, covered by a towel or cotton blanket, while
you wash and dry his face and head. Remove the shirt first, then the diaper,
when you're ready to soap those areas. When he's all soaped, he goes into the
tub to be rinsed. Work quickly on soaping, so lather doesn't dry on his skin.
Lift him out, wrap him immediately in large towel. Dry navel, creases and folds
first to make sure they're dry. Then dry all over.
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