I have been ‘sponging’ my baby since birth but I think he needs a ‘thorough’ wash now. He is 3 weeks old but I am scared to put him in the water. How do I bathe a baby? Julia, 26; Joseph, 3 weeks
Dr. Stork says: Most mothers do not put their babies in the water until the navel cord dropped off. And the real baby baths, when you set the baby in the water, can be a little scary at first. When you bathe your baby, wash his head and face first. Don’t use soap on his face. Wash his hair with plain soap or baby shampoo at least once a week. Then use your hand to lather the rest of his body with plain soap. Remember to test the water to be sure it isn’t too hot. Stick your elbow in it. It’s more sensitive to temperature than your hands are. Wash his genitals just as you do the rest of his body. After rinsing him thoroughly, wrap him in a towel and pat him dry. Bath time is always a great time to talk with your baby. Describe what you are doing to him. Tell him how gorgeous he is. He may not like his bath at fist but he’ll probably enjoy it before long. Always remember, NEVER leave baby alone in his bath.
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