INFO:

Get advice on bathing your your baby and keeping her clean, especially in those first few weeks. Even though your baby doesn't need a bath everyday, she does need a quick wash. A 'top and tail' is the quickest and simplest way to do this. By that we mean giving your little one's face, ears, neck, hands and nappy area a wash with cooled boiled water and cotton wool. To avoid the spread infections, make sure you use a clean piece of cotton wool for each stroke when washing her ears and eyes. Giving your baby a proper bath Her hair only needs to be washed once a week to begin with. Our top tip is to do this first, just before you put your baby in the bath. That way she won't get too chilly! What you'll need Baby bath or bath support suitable from birth Clean towel Changing mat Tissues or cotton wool Clean nappy and sleepsuit for afterwards Step-by-step guide to how to give your baby a bath 1. Make sure the room is warm, then fill the bath to around 8cm deep with warm water -- 36.8°C (98°F) is about right. You can test the temperature using the traditional method of dipping your elbow in, or use a bath thermometer. If you stand the bath on something around waist height, you won't strain your back and you'll find it easier to support your baby. 2. Before putting your baby in the bath, lie her down on her changing mat and undress her. Clean her bottom with cotton wool and cool water. 3. First, wash your baby's hair. To do this with the minimum fuss, wrap her in a towel to stop any wriggling and, holding her securely in one arm, lower her head over the side of the baby bath. Scoop the water over her head, avoiding her eyes. 4. Take your baby out of the towel and hold her securely in one arm, keeping your hand under her bottom. Now, slowly and gently lower her into the water. 5. While your baby is in the bath, sing or chat to her to calm her nerves. If you appear happy and confident, your baby will feel the same way! Gently scoop water over your baby with your hand or a soft sponge. 6. When you've finished bathing her, carefully lift your baby out of the bath and wrap her in a warm, soft towel. Make sure that when you dry her, you take special care around the creases in her neck, arms, legs and bottom, and in between her fingers and toes. If these areas aren't dried properly, she could get sore. Top tip Don't use soaps, shampoos or bubble bath at the early stages of bathing, as this can irritate your baby's skin. Visit www.motherandbaby.co.uk for more advice.