Bathing baby can be a bonding time for both baby and parents. Giving a newborn bath can be scary for some parents at first, because they are given so many warnings about various things on the baby that have to heal before baby can be submerged in any amount of water. Even then, you have to be careful as baby is squirmy and slippery, and that makes giving a bath to a newborn a bit of an adventure at first. However, you will come to enjoy this special time with your baby once you get over your fears of hurting your baby.
The first newborn bath you give your baby will be a sponge bath whether you have a boy or a girl. This is because the umbilical cord has yet to heal and can not be put into water. Instead, you have to use a sponge or a cloth to wash baby while avoiding the belly button. That area should only be cleaned as directed by your doctor. It has to be kept relatively dry until the stump falls off and the area heals. There are products on the market to help you with newborn bath for baby during the first few weeks when you have to keep them up out of the water.
If you have a boy, you also have to worry about the circumcision, if you chose to have this done. This area has to heal properly as well before baby can be submerged in any amount of water. This usually heals pretty quickly, but you do not want to rush it. If your baby has not had this done because she is a girl or you did not wish to have a circumcision done for your son, you can submerge them in newborn bath as soon as the umbilical cord has healed. This should be in the matter of a few days up to a week or two at the longest.
When you start with the newborn bath in which you can submerge your baby, start out with just an inch or two of water. Always check the water to make sure it will be comfortable for your baby. You can do this by putting your elbow into the water. If it feels good to your elbow, it will be okay for baby. Remember that babies get very cold after a newborn bath, so make it quick and get them dried and dressed as quickly as you can, keeping baby covered with a towel as much as possible while drying and dressing them.
Lastly, remember that your baby may have sensitive skin for quite a while, and some have more sensitive skin than others. Use the most gentle baby products you can find for a newborn bath to avoid any problems. This includes the lotions and other products you may want to use on their skin. Most babies don't need lotion right away, but you can use it later on if you wish. Some like to use soap on a cloth, and others like to put some into the water for an even gentler experience during a newborn bath.