
	Intro: Before you begin Step 1: Prepare for a sponge bath Step 2: Give your baby a sponge bath Step 3: Prepare for a tub bath Step 4: Give your baby a tub bath








	Consider resetting your home's water heater to 120F (48C). Most heaters are set at 140F (60C), which can seriously burn a child. If you're washing your baby in a sink or full-sized bathtub, you may want to purchase a spout cover for the faucet. This cushioned cover protects your baby from bumping into the metal. Never put your baby in the tub while the water's still running. The water temperature could suddenly change, or the water level could become too high.

2torial #0495:
Learn2 Bathe an Infant (continued)

Prepare for a tub bath

Mastering a newborn's sponge bath should help ease the transition to a tub. You'll need many of the same supplies, including:

A baby towel
Two washcloths
Baby soap
A plastic cup
A rubber suction mat for the tub or sink bottom (a towel can work as a substitute; if you have a plastic baby tub, it probably has a mat already)
A fresh diaper
A baby blanket or a fresh set of clothes

You may also want to keep these items handy:

Cotton balls
Baby shampoo
Bath toys (although they won't use these in the first few months)
A shower hose attachment (or a rinsing hose for a sink)
A bath "seat" (a plastic seat with suction cups that attaches to the tub and helps hold your infant)
A large bowl of warm water

Pick the bathing spot. While a standard bathtub will work fine, you may find the kneeling and reaching involved to be awkward. A clean kitchen sink will work just as well, as will a portable plastic baby tub. Whatever you choose, the room where you bathe the baby needs to be warm and free of drafts.

Draw the bath. Put the rubber mat or towel on the bottom of the tub or sink (if necessary), then add the bath seat and toys, if you want. Run 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters) of warm (90 to 98F, 32 to 36C) water into the tub. If your child is able to sit up without help (usually after about 6 months), you can fill the tub to waist-level in a sitting position. Test the water to make sure it's a comfortable temperature. Arrange your bathing materials close by, then all you need to add is your baby.

Step 4