Until baby's cord stump falls off and his circumcision and navel heal, a sponge bath will do, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Choose a mild, scent-free soap and shampoo, and avoid bathing too often -- more than two or three times a week will dry baby's tender skin, says Kate Cronan M.D., medical editor of kidshealth.org, a website run by the Nemours Center for Children's Health Media. Once baby begins to crawl and eat solid foods at about 6 months, you can begin to bathe more frequently.
When it's time for baby's first dip, have your supplies within hand's reach. Here are a few more tips:
1. Fill a sink or baby bathtub with 2 to 3 inches of warm water (it should feel comfortably warm to the inside of your wrist). Babies chill quickly, so place her in the water immediately -- feet first, supporting her head with your hand -- and keep her warm by pouring water over her regularly with a plastic or rubber cup or by squeezing water from a wash cloth. Cup your hands to direct the flow of water away from her face, or use a cup with a side that rounds inward made especially for bathing infants.
2. Wash her hair with a soft cloth. Massage her scalp gently with a soft brush, including the area over her soft spots. Keep the water out of her eyes. Dr. Cronan recommends washing the rest of her body from the top down, saving the dirtier bottom bits for the end. Last, use a wet cotton ball to wipe her eyes from the inside corner out, then discard.
3. Wrap her in a towel, covering her head to keep it warm. Those adorable hooded baby towels you received at your shower will work very well. Tip: Set up your contoured diaper-changing pad on the counter and spread the hooded bath towel on top of it. This way you can lift your baby out of the pad and then wrap her up. It's also a good set-up for those early sponge baths.
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