Bathing your new born can be a daunting experience

Here are some tips to help you through the bath-time routine.

It’s completely normal to feel apprehensive about bathing your tiny new born baby, especially if you are a new parent. Starting your baby off in life with a good bath-time regime is a great bonding experience.

There are a few basic guidelines to heed before you get started with your bath-time routine. So, here are some tips for when and how to bath your tiny bundle of joy: 

Bide your time. Choose a moment when both you and your baby are relaxed to introduce yourselves to the ritual of bathing. Once you have overcome the hurdle of your first bath introducing a routine can be comforting for your little one.

Satisfactory sponge. For the first week or two, or at least until the umbilical stump is fully healed it’s best to give your baby a gentle sponge bath. Pay particular attention to the chin and neck area where spit-up can accumulate as well as their nappy area.

Keep it warm. Because your infant’s skin is more sensitive than an adult’s, be sure to pay close consideration to the water temperature. Use the more sensitive skin on the inside of your arm or your elbow to measure the heat which should be warm, not hot. Use a baby bath thermometer and set the temperature to 30°C or below.

Manage your expectations. Bear in mind that this experience may perhaps fall short of your expectations. Expect a few tears and perhaps even a mess. Simply move on with it and hope it goes better next time.

No more tears. Your little one won’t need a lot of soap. Perhaps a little Fragrance-Free Head to Toe Wash http://www.dove.com/za/baby/washing-and-bathing/body-wash/rich-moisture-head-to-toe-wash.html  to help the water along. Make sure to use products that are tear free for a gentler experience.

Preparation all the way. Because your baby is teeny-tiny you won’t need loads of water for a bath. A shallow bath of between 6 and 10 centimetres should be plenty. Use enough water to be able to lie your little one down without entirely immersing them. 

The post bath ritual. Tear free, hypoallergenic products should be a priority for your after-bath regime too. Use a Baby moisturizing lotion http://www.dove.com/za/baby/skin-care/baby-lotion-and-cream/rich-moisture-lotion.html  to keep your little one’s skin soft. Baby Petroleum Jelly http://www.dove.com/za/baby/skin-care/baby-petroleum-jelly/rich-moisture-petroleum-jelly.html  will lock in moisture and protect your baby’s skin from the elements.

You don’t need to bath your baby every day but, if you really enjoy the bonding time with your infant, there is no reason why you shouldn’t. Armed with these tips and a good attitude you and your baby should have loads of easy bath times ahead.

• Baby Dove Rich Moisture Head to Toe Wash 200ml R38.99
• Baby Dove Moisturising Lotion 200ml R48.99
• Baby Dove Moisture Rich Petroleum Jelly 100ml R17.99

Unilever Personal Care Public Relations ManagerSphelele Mjadu - 031 570 2911Sphelele.Mjadu@unilever.com

Edelman South AfricaTamryn Sher – 011 504 4000Tamryn.Sher@edelman.com