Bathing Your Baby
By Wilma Ann Anderson

Many mothers are nervous about holding their new babies. The fragile frame of a newborn is quite intimidating. You've heard that you can't hold him this way or lay her that way, watch out for the umbilical cord, careful with his head, etc. There's a long list of dos an don'ts that evolves as your child does.

Babies don't come with manuals, but you end up writing one along the way. The crazy thing is that you may never use that exact manual again if you have other children because that child's needs may be completely different. Talk about work. Thankfully, some chapters in the manual stay relatively the same. One of those chapters is bathing your baby. Below you'll find some tips to guide you through the process.

• First, know that your baby does not need a bath every day.
  
  
• Don't immerse baby in the bath water until the umbilical cord is healed.
  
  
• Sponging baby down is ideal in the first 6 weeks or so.
  
  
• Find a time that is convenient for both you and baby so that you develop a routine and avoid feeling rushed.
  
  
• Have all toiletries (washcloth, towel, diaper, lotion, and clothing) ready before you start.
  
  
• Make sure the room and water temperature are comfortable.
  
  
• Use just a couple of inches of water to bathe baby in your sink, bathtub or dishpan.
  
  
• Remove baby's diaper last, and if her diaper is soiled, clean her bottom before the bath (using a spray nozzle with gentle pressure can be helpful).
  
  
• Use "no-tears" shampoo and tip baby's head back to avoid irritating her eyes (note: it is not necessary to shampoo during every bath).
  
  
• If your baby is a girl, spread the labia to clean, and if baby is a boy, lift the scrotum to clean underneath. Do not retract the foreskin of your boy's penis if he is uncircumcised. Clean anal area while baby is leaning forward on your arm.
  
  
• Use care with your slippery baby and immediately wrap him in a towel.
  
  
• Pat baby dry and use your choice of fragrance-free moisturizer. Shea butter is an excellent head-to-toe moisturizer for babies (and adults). Consider purchasing in bulk from a retailer like Camden-Grey.

Wilma Ann Anderson is the Editor-in-Chief and Cofounder of Mahogany Baby. She's also an accomplished singer, and works as a model and film executive. This mother of four has freelanced for ESSENCE and Working Mother magazines, enjoys crafting, and is based in New Jersey.