| 6.
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Now you can unwrap the towel and remove your baby's nappy. (You can put the towel to one side if you like, but leave it within easy reach, as you will need to spread it out again when ready to take your baby out of the bath). If the nappy is soiled, clean your baby's bottom to minimise any poo in the bath water (although some baby's will fix this by pooing in the bath - meaning new bathwater and start again or a quick shower!) |
| 7.
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Now you can wash your baby's body and place them in the bath.
If using plain water, then it is just a matter of picking your baby up and letting them soak in the warm water. If you want to use something to wash them with, you can put some Sorbelene cream (plain oil or a mild soap or lotion), on your hands and mix it with some warm water from the bath, so it is not cold. Then gently massage the cream all over your baby's body, using soft strokes over their stomach, arms and legs. You can roll them onto their side (or stomach) to do their back and bottom.
Your baby may start crying when fully exposed, so be sure to keep eye contact and talk to them. Sometimes placing your hand on their chest, or holding their arms for a moment, can help to calm them. It is good to keep this part brief until your baby adjusts to being massaged. |
Image 11-25 Shows the baby being comforted, by holding her hands on her chest, and the mother lowering her body to keep eye contact.
NOTE: When washing your baby's genitals only wash what you can see. Girls do not need to have their labia separated to 'clean inside' and uncircumcised boys do not need to have their foreskin pushed back.