252 Part Three Infants
How to Give a Tub Bath
Doctors usually recommend tub baths as soon as the baby’s navel and circumcision are
healed. Fill the tub (often a large dishpan) with about three inches of comfortable warm
water. Test the water temperature with your elbow or wrist. Also, place a towel on the bottom
of the tub to keep the baby from slipping.
Step 1: On the Table
Undress the baby, except for the diaper. Cleanse the eyes, nose, ears, and face as you
would in a sponge bath. Apply liquid baby bath to head with hand, or use washcloth after
about fi rst two months. Note: When the baby is older and has more hair, use a liquid baby
shampoo that will not irritate the eyes.
Step 2: Into the Tub
After removing the baby’s diaper, you can place the child in the tub. Use a safety hold—slip
your right hand under the baby’s shoulders. Place your thumb over the right shoulder and
your fi ngers under the right armpit. Support the buttocks with your left hand, grasping the
right thigh with your thumb and fi ngers. Lower the baby into the tub feet fi rst, keeping the
head out of the water. With your left hand, rinse the head, letting water run back into the tub.
Step 3: Bathing the Body
Soap the front of the baby’s body, being careful to wash inside all the skin folds and creases,
then rinse. Reverse your hold to soap and rinse the baby’s back. It is not necessary to turn
the baby over. Clean the genital area during the bath, just like the rest of the baby. In the
external folds of a baby girl, a white substance may gather. If it remains after bathing, gently
wipe it away with a washcloth or with a cotton ball dipped in baby oil. Be sure to wipe from
front to back. When cleansing a baby boy who has not been circumcised, do not push back
the foreskin unless your doctor tells you to.
Step 4: Out of the Tub
Use the same safety hold to lift your
baby onto a warm, dry surface. Cover
the baby with a towel and pat dry, paying
special attention to folds and creases.
Step 5: Diaper Area Care
To keep the diaper area dry, use baby
cornstarch to help prevent irritation and
redness.
Step 6: General Skin Care
Moisten fi ngers on a cotton ball dipped
in baby oil or baby lotion. Apply it to all
tiny creases, such as around the neck,
armpits, arms, hands, legs, and feet.
Use a little baby oil on a cotton ball to
help remove cradle cap. Apply baby
cream to any irritated part. Sprinkle
baby powder on your hand and pat
lightly over large areas of the body.
11-9 Tub baths should be given carefully and quickly for the baby’s comfort and safety.