Bathing Babies

It is better to give baths to children when parents ask you to do it. You may want to ask the parents to let you come and see how they do it before babysitting their children. Make sure you know where they keep all of the bath supplies.
While bathing a baby, you will want to follow these useful tips

Put the baby in a safe place while you gather everything you need.
Use your elbow to test the bath water before putting the baby in. The water should feel lukewarm, not hot. Babies can be badly burned if the water is too hot. You will only need four or five inches of water in the tub.
Smile and talk to the baby while you undress him. Support his head and shoulders if he can't sit up yet. Slowly lower him into the water. Place him into a bath safety seat if he can sit up. Never let go—always keep one hand on the baby. Continue talking and smiling.
Use your free hand to gently soap the baby. Use a small amount of soap.
Don't put soap on his head or face. Just use a damp cloth to wash his face.
Rinse the soap off the rest of his body.
Carefully lift the baby out of the water and wrap him in a towel so he won't get cold. Dry him off and apply lotion or powder, as directed by the parents.
Diaper and dress him.

If you are uncomfortable giving a baby a tub bath, give a sponge bath instead. It's also good when a baby has a messy bowel movement.


Undress the baby and wrap him in a towel.
Lay him on a flat surface beside the water you are using.
Never let go—always keep one hand on the baby.
Wash and dry one part of his body at a time with warm water.
When done, diaper and dress the baby.
Clean up the area later while he is napping.

 

Babysitting tips, articles author L.S Batra. ©2002 Indianchild.com
 

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