bathtime & baby's skin - coles baby club

Once baby is past the newborn stage, bathtime starts to become fun for both baby and parents – and many dads enjoy making bathtime their special time with baby.

At first, some babies don’t take too kindly to being unwrapped and feel happier and more secure when neatly bundled. But with a little time and patience most babies take to baths like ducks to water. A warm bath can often soothe a restless baby or calm a tired one, cool a baby in the summer or warm your little treasure when the weather is cold. There’s always the exception to the rule – the baby who dislikes water. In that case, you have to be content to ‘top and tail’ your little one until they feel more comfortable bathing.

Getting started

• baby bath (or a big basin to go in a bath)
• baby’s own towel and washer
• change mat
• baby wipes
• cotton wool
• baby powder
• baby soap or bath lotion, baby shampoo
• nappy cream
• nappy and change of clothes

Step-by-step

• Get everything ready.
• Take the phone off the hook.
• Make sure the room is draught-free and warm if it’s cool weather.
• Always put cold water in first then top up with hot water. Check the temperature of the water carefully with the inside of your wrist.
• Take baby’s nappy off and if it is dirty wash baby’s bottom in separate water.
• Wash baby’s face first with a clean washer.
• Wipe baby’s eyes carefully using a new cotton wool ball for each eye, starting from the inner eye and wiping gently outwards. Never wipe inside the nose or inside the ears.
• Never leave baby unattended.
• After taking baby out, wrap in a soft towel. Dry gently. Dry well between folds of skin, especially neck, groin, between toes – rashes and sores can quickly appear if skin is left damp.
• Comb baby’s hair with a soft brush or wide-toothed comb.

Take care

Always put cold water in first and test the water to make sure it is not too hot or too cold. A warm (37°C) deep bath is more relaxing than a cool shallow one. Beware of hot taps – as baby gets older and can reach around, wrap the tap in a towel or face washer. Never leave baby unattended. As your baby grows, make sure things are well out of reach – not just razors and medications, but also soaps and shampoos.

Caring for baby’s skin

When we think of baby skin, we think, soft, smooth and flawless. The reality can be different, so prepare yourself to deal with the various spots, dots and rashes that may appear from time to time on baby’s skin. If you have any concerns, talk to your maternal or early childhood nurse or doctor.

In the early days your baby’s skin does not need soap, but after that you can wash with a special bath soap or liquid soap and use a baby oil or lotion and massage into the skin.

Some baby blemishes

Cradle cap

This looks like a crusty layer on baby’s scalp and is quite common in newborns. Rub olive oil gently all over the scalp. Leave overnight, then wash off with a mild baby soap or shampoo. Repeat until the scale has gone. Special shampoo is available from the chemist.

Eczema

Children with eczema have dry sensitive skin and may often have an itchy red rash. Choose cotton clothing rather than woollens and synthetics. Avoid long baths, soaps and bubble baths. See your doctor, who may recommend bath oil instead of soaps, moisturising cream and possibly cortisone ointment or cream.

Insect bites

Babies and young children are vulnerable to bites and some may have an allergic reaction (seek medical help if this happens). A mosquito net provides protection. When baby starts crawling, flea bites from family pets can also be a problem. Keep pets clean and use flea powder and flea collars.

Spots and dots

Tiny white pimples, called milia, on the middle of the face, may be blocked skin ducts. Tiny red spots forming a rash may be a sweat rash, caused by blocked sweat glands. Raised white dots on the cheeks may also be caused by sweat glands. All these spots usually settle down quickly. No treatment is necessary but see your doctor if concerned.

Thrush

Often initially mistaken for nappy rash, there may also be small, red spots beyond the rash. There may also be small flecks of white on the inside of the mouth; this a fungal infection. Treat the bottom as for nappy rash, but also take your child to the doctor, who may prescribe an anti-fungal cream or ointment.

When the sun shines

Make sure baby wears long sleeves and a hat, and apply SPF15+ or higher sunblock, designed for young children. Stay out of the sun especially between 11am and 3pm on hot days.

Remember even on cloudy days the skin of a baby or child can burn very easily.