Baby Safety
Perhaps one of the most overlooked situations in baby safety is bathing the newborn. To begin with, sponging your newborn is probably the way you will become familiar with all the nooks and crannies.It’s important to keep the umbilical cord dry and clean, so sponging the first few weeks is just fine. The sponge is more comfortable for you both. You may find yourself establishing a routine as you keep your baby’s diaper checked and changed. Begin with a warm damp cloth and just lightly wash babies face and eyes. In practicing baby safety, lie your newborn on a flat secure surface.
Be calm and soothing, as baby will pick up your mood. Wash time can be a time of bonding and discovery. As you count every little finger and toe and realize just what you have here! So, don’t be afraid. Your baby is not made of glass, and actually, they are pretty durable while you learn. One area you do want to be familiar with, and understand its purpose, is what is called the soft spot on the baby’s head. Also, known as fontanel, is the gap between bones in the skull that allows room for growth. The bone will fuse over the next year or so. Until then, this part of the skull is soft, and you will feel this as you care for your baby. You may want to leave your babies hair care till last. This will keep baby warmer as you wash and dry and work through the pattern you establish that’s best for you and your baby. You may want to move to the dirtier areas last then, again, change cloths as you work on baby’s hair and head. In planning for baby safety, you may feel that dressing baby and then holding your new born in your arms as you lightly wash and care for baby’s hair is fine.
There is a common condition babies have called cradle cap. It looks like scaly skin on the skull. It’s easily removed by taking a warm cloth that’s damp enough to wet baby’s hair. Then take just one drop of baby shampoo and wash gently. Using a baby brush will help remove the dry skin. Rinse well, making sure all soap is removed. Always support baby’s head and shoulders as baby safety is your utmost priority.
You and baby will soon move from sponge baths to baby’s tub. Which is the best? There are those who use the kitchen sink, which may be fine as long as it’s sterile and safe for baby. Put a towel in the sink to cushion baby and have plenty of towels to use. If you feel your baby getting slippery in your hands, stop and dry them, and note that next time not so much soap! You may also decide to go with an infant’s tub. These are made of plastic and set on a flat surface for baby safety.
