For the first week or two until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off, all he will be able to have is a sponge bath. You'll need the following supplies before you can give your little one a sponge bath: two bowls of warm water, two baby washclothes, a thick bath towel, and some baby soap or cleanser.
Using the first bowl of water, gently wipe your baby down with the damp washcloth, using soap only in the areas that seem especially dirty, and not on his face. Next, clean your baby's face and wash your baby's scalp with a little baby soap or shampoo on a wash cloth. Clean his hands, belly and legs next. turn your baby over on his tummy and wipe off his back. Clean the diaper area last.
It's a good idea to have an extra pair of hands when it comes to bath time. Follow these steps for a bath: Assemble your supplies. Line the bottom of the infant bathtub with an extra washcloth to keep your baby from slipping. Fill the tub with a few inches of warm -- not hot-- water and test it with your hand. Gently place your baby in the water, using one hand to support her head and neck. use your other hand to pour some warm water over her body to keep her from getting cold. Wrap your baby in the hooded towel as soon as you remove her from the water. keep as much of her body covered as you can while you dress her.
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