After your baby's umbilical cord has fallen off and the area is healed, you can ask your baby's pediatrician about giving your baby a bath in the tub.
Once he or says gives you the "A-Okay", then go ahead and give your baby a wonderful relaxing bath! Before you begin:
Make sure you have everything you need within close reach - baby safe soap, a soft towel and washcloth? Make sure the room is nice and warm. Babies can get chilly easily, so if necessary use an extra heater to warm the room. Make sure that the room is warm and that there will be no unexpected drafts.
Begin by preparing a little diluted baby soap by mixing warm water and baby safe soap in a small bowl or dish. Use this solution so that you don't have to worry about getting too much soap on your already slippery little one.
Before you get started be sure you are calm and relaxed. Enjoy this special time together. You won't be able to answer the phone, check your email or take a break for a bit so if you need to use the bathroom, do so before you get started with your little one's bath.
Find a clean place to bathe your baby. Usually the kitchen sink does the trick or use a baby bath inside a larger area (sink or bathtub). If you do not use a baby bath tub, you may try putting a small hand towel, or non-slip mat on the bottom of the sink. This can help prevent your baby from slipping, once they get wet and soapy.
And don't forget ? never leave a baby unattended even for one quick moment during a bath. You must be with your baby at all times during a bath.
Giving your baby a bath in 9 easy steps
1. Now begin to fill the bath with only a few inches of warm water. Make sure you test the water so that it is warm to touch. Not too cold or too hot. Fill the tub and turn water off before placing baby in the "bath". If possible move the water faucet out of the way to prevent baby from moving and bumping into it.
2. As you undress baby continue to talk to her and explain step by step what will happen next. Babies learn through experiences, so the more you explain what is happening the more they'll learn.
3. Hold your baby securely, and as you look lovingly into her eyes, being extra careful to support her head, slowly place her into the bath water. You may take extra care to introduce her slowly to the water. Always watch for baby's cues and take a hint from this communication as to her likes and dislikes.
4. Begin by washing your baby's face. When washing you might first just start with water so that she can get used to how it feels. Then wash with a little of your baby safe soap mixture. Always careful to not get any soap in baby's sensitive eyes.
5. Then wash the top of her head and work downwards making sure to wash the ears, neck and all those chins!
6. Taking extra care so baby doesn't slip, wash her cute little arms and legs, and don't forget to clean between the fingers and toes.
7. Next, carefully clean around the belly button and diaper area. Remember to rinse each area very thoroughly.
8. Now it's time to wash her back. Hold your baby so that you can reach around and wash her back and bottom.
9. You're just about done. Carefully lift your little one out of the bath and wrap her up in a soft towel taking extra care to keep her head warm while you drying her. Put on a diaper and a snuggly outfit, give a kiss and hug. She's clean and ready for the rest of the day!
Copyright (c) 2007 Liddle Kidz? Infant and Children's Pediatric Massage
A baby experiences colic, congestion, teething pain, and emotional stress. Giving your baby a gentle massage relieves many discomforts from which a small baby can suffer. There are many ways of giving your infant relief for various ailments. Using a gentle tapping method which helps break up the mucous in the chest can relieve congestion. It allows the infant to eliminate any excess mucous. Sinus congestion can be broken up by gently massaging that area. It makes the process of eliminating excess mucous from the sinus passages easier on the baby. Using small rhythmic strokes across the distended abdomen can also relieve colic. Gentle infant massage can also help relieve any stress or tension the infant may be feeling and some infants will cry during their massage time. It is believed this crying is an emotional release and is healthy for the baby.
Massaging the skin will improve communication between the body and the brain and improve the nervous system.
A gentle massage stroke can release any tension in the baby's body and allow them to relax for a maximum learning environment. A massage will encourage relaxation, increase their circulation, increase the air they feel on their skin and give them a reassurance the parent is near. The parent's voice, touch, and the odor of their parent give them a sense of security. The balance a massage gives them an increased capacity for learning.
If an infant is having problems sleeping, a gentle massage will help the baby relax enough to sleep easily and have longer periods of deep sleep.
Infant massage also stimulates the digestive system and helps in digestion. It also helps with breathing; a recent study shows a gentle 20-minute massage also helps children with asthma breathe better.
Massage can teach an infant the art of expression. Watch your baby's expression as you stroke their back and tummy. You can see which strokes the baby enjoys the most and change your massage routine to fit your baby.
Massage helps your infant's muscle tone and helps them grow.
Massage enhances the bonding between infant and parent.
It helps the baby become more aware of its surroundings. You can talk to your baby while giving the massage and even name the parts of the body during your stroking
Massaging your infant gives him a sense of comfort, safety and love. These are important parts to the emotional and physical growth of your child.
Massage also benefits parents and caregivers. It gives a quiet time of the day that can relax both your infant and gives your body a chance to relax. Knowing you are giving your baby pleasure and strengthening their growth will give you peace and serenity too.
Both Tina Allen, Lmt, Ciit, Cimi & Scott Meyers are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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