Newborn Care Tips

Baths can be fun for Mom, Dad and baby, but there are also times when things won’t go as smoothly as you would hope. Here are a few tricks to help keep bath-time on the fun track.

• Make sure the room (bathroom, kitchen, etc) where the baby will be bathed is warm and draft-free and you can be comfortable.
• Keep the baby diapered (especially boys who are known to shoot straight up at inopportune moments) until you’re ready to wash that area, or place baby in the tub.
• Avoid giving your baby a bath immediately after he’s eaten. Newborns are more likely to spit up post-meal, and you don’t want him to need a second bath before he’s even out of the first.
• Avoid giving your child bubble baths. Studies show they can increase the incidence of bladder inflammation.
• Think about where you place the baby bath, especially if you have a bad back. Find a spot that is stable and at a comfortable height.