Once the umbilical cord stump falls off, you can shift from sponge bath to tub bath.  Because baby is still squirmy and not in control of her movements, you will need to be vigilant and keep an eye and hand on her at all times.

Consider using a baby bath tub instead of your own bathtub, at least until your child is able to sit unassisted. These tubs are safer, as they are designed especially for infants and require significantly less water.  Also, they give you more control and are easier on your lower back, as you can be standing with more maneuverability than if you were uncomfortably kneeling over your own bathtub.

First, gather your supplies and announce to other household members that you are bathing the baby.  Once baby is in the tub, you will not have the option of leaving to grab something (even for five seconds).  The bathroom will be your only domain until she is fully dressed and ready for the next activity (usually bed).

Supplies:

1 soft washcloth
2 cotton balls
bath towel
change of clothes
baby wash
diaper supplies
brush or comb

You don’t need to fill the tub to the brim; just a few inches of water is sufficient. Remember to make sure the water is an appropriate temperature before placing your baby in the tub.

Make sure you support your baby’s upper body and neck at all times during the bath, and remember to keep water on her, either by pouring it over her or by using a washcloth frequently throughout the bath. Otherwise, she could get cold quickly!

Tip:  If the air conditioner is on, close the vent in the bathroom to keep it warmer during bath time.

With clean water, wet the two cotton balls and use those to gently clean each eye.  Do not use the same cotton ball on the left eye that you use on the right.  If your baby has conjunctivitis, the infection can easily transfer from one eye to the other, doubling her discomfort.  Discard cotton balls.

Apply baby wash to a soft, wet washcloth and beginning with baby’s head gently rub wash cloth in a circular to exfoliate and clean baby’s hair and skin.  (Don’t forget to wash behind the ears!)  It is beneficial to work one section at a time and rinse baby frequently to keep her warm.  Generally you will wash baby from top to bottom, saving the dirtiest part for the very end.

Once you have bathed her, towel dry your daughter and diaper her quickly.  It is common for babies to urinate following a warm, relaxing bath.  They are like a water spout!

Laying baby on a padded surface, apply lotion and give her a quick massage.  This will help relax her before you put on her jammies, comb or brush her hair and send her on to dreamland.  You will want to check her diaper once more after applying lotion, and make sure she’s dry and has zinc oxide diaper cream on her tush to block moisture through the night.