Baby and Parenting

In their enthusiasm, it is all to easy for new mothers to wash babies too often and dry the babies sensitive skin. you should bathe the child just 3 times per week but thoroughly clean the nappy area every time you change the baby. For the first 2-3 weeks a sponge bath is recommended, gently clean the baby with lukewarm soapy water and a damp cloth or sponge with the baby laid on a clean towel. Make sure you don’t use a perfumed soap, stick to hypo-allergenic brands.

After the first few weeks baby will be ready for the first bath, use a small basin filled with lukewarm soapy water and place baby in the basin sitting upright, ensuring that the baby’s chest is well above water level. Then gently clean as you did with the sponge bath. You can now wash the baby’s hair once a week taking care to keep soapy water away from the eyes. When washing your baby’s ears, wash the outside only, never be tempted to clean inside the ears with a cotton bud as this can cause damage.

For changing your baby you should make up a pack containing all the essentials, such as nappies; changing tables; baby powder (talcum – non fragranced); rash ointments such as E45; Cotton balls; Baby wipes or cloths; Changing pads and towels.

When it comes to deciding which type of nappies to buy, most mothers choose disposable nappies due the convenience. However re-usable nappies can be a lot cheaper, but will mean you will be almost tied to your washing machine until baby is potty trained. As far as the baby’s health is concerned, there is no difference, it really is a matter of personal choice. To change your baby’s nappy, lay a fresh nappy on the changing table, place the baby on top of the nappy with tummy facing you, then gently unfasten soiled nappy and pull away from baby so that you can wash the genitals and buttocks with baby wipes or cotton balls and dry the area. Apply cream if necessary. The remove old nappy and wrap new nappy fastening tabs securely. Many babies will suffer nappy rash at some point no matter how thoroughly you clean and dry them, do not worry unduly or engage in self recrimination, simply apply rash cream to soothe the area and always ensure you thoroughly wash and dry the affected areas every change. Some mothers like to leave their baby’s without nappies for a while after removing the soiled one to help keep the skin dry and help heal the rash. However, if nappy rash persists for long periods or looks like it may be infected then consult your doctor.