Mummy and Me Magazine August 2014 September 2014 | Page 11

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baby bath. Supporting them with this arm, use
your other to begin washing your baby. When you
are washing a newborn, it is advisable to use cotton
wool pads/balls to wash their face and body. This is
a softer alternative to a sponge.

Bathing your newborn baby can seem very daunting
at first, but most newborn babies actually enjoy the
experience as they are used to the amniotic fluid in
the womb and therefore find comfort in the warm
water. It can therefore be a wonderful bonding
experience for you and your baby too.

When washing your baby’s hair/head, gently use
your hand to pour water over and massage their
head. Wash your baby’s nappy area last and wash
front to back. Once your baby is clean, allow them
some time to lie in the water, gently pouring water
over their tummy to keep them warm. This will allow
your baby to relax and enjoy.

Before you begin bathing your baby, it is a good
idea to make sure you have everything you need
at hand. Including a towel, fresh nappy and clean
clothing. Then you can prepare the bath water.
For a young baby it is advisable not to fill the baby
bath and to instead start with just a few inches of
warm water. The ideal temperature is 37degrees.
Make sure the warmth is evenly spread throughout
the bath. Test the temperature with the inside of
your wrist before placing your baby into the water.
Using one arm, gently support your baby’s back,
neck and head as you place them into the

Once you have bathed your baby, carefully lift
your baby out and pat them dry, making sure
that you pay particular attention to the folds in
their skin. This is also a wonderful time to talk to
your baby and use some oil or cream to massage
them (which can also help create a good bedtime
routine).
There are many helpful websites and the NHS offer
further advice about bathing your baby along with
a ‘How to’ video. Visit www.nhs.uk and search
‘washing and bathing your baby’.

Tried,
Tested
&
Recom
mende
d

The JOHNSON’S® Baby brand is launching
the new F I RS T T OUCH™ range which is the
first collection to be completely soap, fragrance
and colour free and includes everything new
mums need to cleanse
and protect their baby’s
delicate skin from top
to toe. The new range
includes a wash,
shampoo, wipes,
barrier cream, oil
and moisturiser.
Available in
stores now!

“My son has suffered with eczema
since he was born and although the
hydrocortisone cleared his flare ups, I
was always concerned with the prescribed
creams and putting them onto my son’s
skin. After hearing about Bioskin and the
natural ingredients I was keen to try them.
The Daily Nourishing Spray is a non greasy,
easily absorbed spray which leaves the
skin instantly soft and moisturised and the
aromatic notes are a delight. Since using this
product my son’s skin has become smoother
and his outbreaks are
minimal.
Our bedtime routine now
consists of a 'Bioskin
Junior Bath Milk', (which
is the best eczema bath
product that I have tried
and the smell has the
bathroom
fragrant),
followed by our 'Daily
Nourishing Spray, which
results in one happy 'itch
free' boy!” (Gill Pryce)

WWW.MUMMYANDMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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BATHING YOUR BABY - WHAT TO EXPECT

f your baby was bathed in the hospital, you may
have already learnt some tips. Children’s Centres
also often provide Newborn Know-how sessions
for expectant parents to learn daily tasks such as
nappy changing or bathing your baby.

Birth & Beyond

Bathing your baby - what to expect...

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