There are several different bathing techniques. Every family will find their own favorite style of bathing their baby, and you’ll learn quickly what works best for yours.
The main three are:
- Sponge Bathing- typically used in the early days/week
- Submersion Bathing
- Co-bathing
Today’s topic is Submersion bathing!
Submersion bathing is likely the most well-known and most “seen” type of bathing in the media. Many families will use an infant tub or a sink with a soft bathing mat.
While there are various locations and types of submersion bathing, it is important to remember, again, that bathing is not just about getting your baby clean. It’s an opportunity to create a routine that your baby will eventually love and an opportunity to bond with your baby!
As with sponge bathing, it is important that you gather all of your supplies before you begin bathing your baby.
You’ll need:
- A place to bathe your baby- an infant tub, a sink, etc.
- Baby soap
- Cotton balls
- washcloths
- Towels
Follow these steps:
- Fill tub or sink with water, making sure to test the temperature before you put your baby into the water
- Support the baby’s head and neck as you place them into the tub
- Wash your baby’s eyes with a wet cotton ball, wiping from the inside corner towards the outside
- Use a wet washcloth with infant soap to wash the baby from the head down (Think cleanest to dirtiest) stopping to rinse after each part of the body.
- Be sure to wash all nooks and crannies where spit-up and gunk can hide
- Wash your baby’s genitals last
- Only clean what is seen
- Remove your baby from the water, and dry them in a towel
*Helpful hint: Some babies enjoy submersion baths. Others may find it more comfortable to have a warm wet washcloth on their chest and belly to help keep them warm during the bathing process (occasionally wetting the cloth with warm water throughout the bath).
Did you use submersion bathing with your infants? Leave us a comment below to leave more tips and tricks!
