In the beginning
Bathing your baby can be fun, nurturing, pleasurable, and nerve-wracking or just a plain chore. Many parents will formally do 'the baby bath' while others enjoy bathing with their baby in the big bath or shower. In the winter months you may prefer to 'top and tail' your baby (washing only their face and bottom) or you may bath your baby frequently as part of a relaxation and settling routine. As with anything there are many ways to achieve a 'clean baby' and a few alternatives will be explored later in this section in
variations for bathing.
While initial nervousness about bathing a newborn baby is common with many parents, after a while most will use bath time to lovingly interact with their new baby. In recent years, parents have increasingly adopted the ritual of baby massage as a way to relax and nurture their baby either before or after a bath. You can read more about this in
baby massage.
Most hospitals will give new parents the opportunity to attend bathing classes. This will either be as a parenting class before the birth, or one given on the postnatal ward for the woman to attend with her baby before going home. Check with your caregiver, as classes may only be held at certain times, on certain days (which may not always be convenient). Some prenatal classes will also include baby bathing as part of their education.
Alternatively, if you don't get a chance to attend any classes (or you or your baby are too sick to attend one after the birth), the staff will usually demonstrate, or walk you through, your baby's first bath when you (and your baby) are ready. Some mothers are happy to sort out bathing for themselves and if this is not your first baby you may not need a demonstration. Be aware though, that caregivers can 'presume' you know it all if you already have another child (or children) so don't be afraid to ask if you need a refresher!