Bathing Baby Checklist

by BabyZone Editors

Recommended

Rubbing alcohol When bathing your newborn, this will be an essential part of making sure the umbilical cord area stays clean until the cord has fallen off (only if recommended by your baby's physician).
Skin products There is disagreement about the use of lotions, powders, oils, and other products for your baby. Some of these products may help your baby's skin, but some present a risk. In general, perfumed lotions are more likely to contain irritating chemicals than the simpler, unscented ones. Safflower oil has been used by some for babies' skin and is a relatively simple substitute for more chemically complex products. (Note: don't ever use powder on your infant as it can get into babies' breathing passages and cause problems.)
Mild soap Confused about what soap to choose for your growing infant? So are many pediatricians. Soaps contain ingredients that can be drying to skin. The pH your baby is born with helps protect against germs and can be rendered too low by the use of soap. Pediatricians say you are safest using a soap made specifically for babies that has no perfumes and is hypoallergenic. And you don't need to use soap during every bath, once every couple weeks is fine until your little one is old enough to make more serious messes.
Mild, no-tears shampoo You'll baby will only need this once or twice per week. To shampoo your little one's head, place a small bit of shampoo (only two to three drops are necessary (on the head and very gently rub the scalp.
Nail clippers or scissors This is a good time to trim your baby's finger and toe nails. Post bath, they nails will be extra soft and easy to cut.
Comb and/or brush To prevent or heal cradle cap (the crusty, scaly patches on your baby's head), gently use a soft toothbrush or surgical brush to clean the scalp daily, including during a bath.

Niceties

Extra towels Splashes happen! Have a couple extra towels at the ready to catch spills and to dry you off as well, post bath.
Blanket or post-bath clothes For warmth and cuddling after bath.
After you've collected all of your bath supplies, make sure that you can reach everything you need so that you don't have to leave your precious little one unattended, even if your baby is with an older sibling.

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