The first bath at home may be an exciting, fun, and nerve-wracking experience all in one, especially for new parents. But you'll get the hang of it in no time & bath-time can be a meaningful time with your child.
Nurses advised me to bathe my newborn about 2 to 3 times a week. They really don't need more than that because they don't sweat or play in yucky dirt (yet). I stuck with 2 times per week for the first 3 months then every other day after that. Remember not to get the umbilical cord wet because it may cause infection, and do not put rubbing alcohol on it otherwise it may harm your child. Using rubbing alcohol on the umbilical cord was an old trick nurses used when washing babies but our nurse told us that laws have passed restricting them to use it. Babies have died being cleaned this way but I'm not sure why. CONTINUED BELOW
For the first few weeks you can bath your little one in the little yellow tub that the hospital provides you. Fill the tub two-thirds of the appropriate temperature for a newborn, 98 degrees. This is the temperature they felt while in your tummy so water that's the same temperature will make them feel the most at ease. When we placed my son in the tub, we expected him to cry but he was very calm and didn't make a squeak. He loved it when we poured warm water over his hair.
We use Johnson & Johnson's baby soap which is a yellow liquidy soap and it works well, and rinses very easily off the skin. We can use the same soap for your child's hair as well. After you're done, give him a quick rinse and wrap him up in warm towels. I also like to use Aveeno baby lotion all over my baby's body after drying off to prevent dry skin.
