Lifestyle Desk – Bathing a small child is as important as it is for parents, but it is also a very careful task. Many parents get nervous especially while bathing their newborn baby for the first time. They fear that water might get into the child's mouth or nose or that he might slip. Actually, the skin of small children is delicate and they are not able to control their body temperature like adults. Therefore, while bathing the child, it is important to keep many things in mind, from the temperature of the water to its safety.
Do not leave child alone in water
The most important thing while bathing the baby is his safety. Whether the child is a few months old or a little older, he should not be left alone in the water. Avoid filling too much water in the tub or bucket to bathe the baby. Keep your hands on the baby at all times while bathing and keep the necessary items with you beforehand. If you have to go out of the bathroom to get something, do not leave the baby in the water. If necessary, take the child with you or seek help from another adult.
Check the water temperature first
Child's skin is more sensitive than that of adults. Water that is too hot can damage his skin, while water that is too cold can make the baby uncomfortable. Therefore, the water should neither be too hot nor too cold. Before bathing, check the temperature of the water with your wrist or elbow. If the water feels too hot or too cold for you, it may not be right for the baby either. Try to keep the temperature of water constant even while bathing.
have bath supplies ready in advance
Before taking the child to the bathroom, keep all the necessary items with you. Like towel, clean clothes, diaper, mild baby cleanser and other necessary things. With this, there will be no need to leave the baby and go far for any item while bathing. After bathing the small child, immediately dry it with a soft towel, especially dry the skin around the neck, armpits and thighs thoroughly but gently.
Do not use too much soap or shampoo
Baby's skin is delicate, so using excessive soap, shampoo or perfumed products can cause dryness or irritation in the skin. Use mild and skin-friendly products made for children and do not apply more than necessary. Take special care when applying products around the eyes and mouth. If redness, itching or irritation appears on the skin after using any product, stop using it.
Dry the baby immediately after bathing
Do not keep the baby wet for a long time after bathing it. Dry the body gently with a soft towel. It is better to pat dry the skin instead of rubbing it vigorously. Before wearing clothes, ensure that all parts of the body are thoroughly dried. If the child's skin remains very dry, a moisturizer suitable for children can be used with the advice of the doctor.
How often should a baby be bathed?
Bathing needs are not the same for every child. There is no need to bathe a newborn baby very often. It may be sufficient to pay attention to cleaning the face, neck, hands, feet and diaper area daily. Bathing routine can be decided according to the child's age, season, skin and doctor's advice.
The most important thing is that bathing the child is not just a matter of cleanliness but also a matter of his safety. Keep a constant eye on the baby while bathing, check the temperature of the water and keep all the necessary items ready in advance. If persistent redness, rash or irritation appears on the baby's skin, it is better to consult a pediatrician instead of trying home remedies.
