7 steps to give baby a bath

STEP 1: Preparation

Before undressing your baby, gather everything you’ll need—towels, clothes, cleanser, moisturizer, and any other essentials—so you don’t leave the baby unattended. Ensure the water temperature is warm but not too hot or cold.

STEP 2: Undress Your Baby

Turn off fans and air conditioners to avoid drafts. In colder climates, ensure the room is warm but not overly heated.

STEP 3: Massage with Baby Oil

This step is often debated. While some believe massage should be done after bathing, many parents find that babies are too hungry afterward for a proper massage. If needed, you can skip this step in the morning and massage in the evening. Ideally, babies benefit from a massage twice a day.

Use coconut oil or ghee, avoiding olive or mustard oil.
Warm your hands before starting and gently massage for 15–30 minutes. This helps keep the skin moisturized, promotes weight gain, enhances well-being, and relaxes your baby.

STEP 4: Bathing

Use a liquid cleanser formulated for babies rather than soap. Alkaline soaps can dry out your baby’s skin and disrupt its pH balance.

Begin by wetting the baby’s skin with lukewarm water.
Apply the cleanser, paying special attention to folds on the neck, arms, and thighs. Gently pull apart these folds to clean them thoroughly.
Keep baths short to avoid overexposure to water, which can dry out the skin further.

STEP 5: Toweling

Pat the skin dry gently rather than rubbing. Pay extra attention to folds in the neck, arms, and thighs, ensuring they’re completely dry to prevent infections or rashes.

STEP 6: Moisturize

Bathing can strip natural moisture from your baby’s skin. Immediately after drying, apply a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer designed for babies.

Avoid sprinkling powder in skin folds, as it is no longer recommended.

STEP 7: Dress Your Baby

Dress your baby promptly but avoid over-layering. A general rule is to use one extra layer of clothing than you would wear yourself. Maintain the room temperature to feel comfortably warm.