How to sponge bathe a newborn: Simple tips for new parents

Easiest way to keep your new baby clean?Sponge bath: a gentle, pleasant cleansing experience for your little one.

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Those in the know say that daily baths aren't necessary since they could dry out his delicate skin. Dash. Three times a week will be just fine until your baby is a year old.

Baby sponge bath tips

1. Picking a time. Some moms prefer mornings when babies are usually alert and raring to go. Other moms choose evenings as part of a calming bedtime ritual.

2. Gather everything you'll need before you start. Grab a change of clothes, a clean diaper, a couple of washcloths, another big towel, a mild baby soap, and a bowl or cup of warm (not hot). Test the water with your inner wrist.

3. Keep your little one cozy. Make sure the room is warm before undressing your baby. Plan to drape a warm, wet washcloth over the parts of your baby you're not cleaning at the moment so she stays comfortable.

4. Start at the top. Start with her face and head, using a washcloth without soap so you don't get any suds in her eyes or mouth. Pay special attention to the neck and the area under the chin. The spaces between fingers and toes, under the arms and behind the ears also get surprisingly dirty. Wipe carefully around the umbilical stump, making sure to keep it dry. If you accidentally get the stump wet, gently pat it dry with a soft towel. Clean the diaper area last, and always support your baby's head and neck!

5. Protect to heal. If your son has been circumcised, wash his penis with just water until it heals (usually about a week to 10 days after the surgery). If he's not circumcised, just wash it as you would other parts of his body.

6. Wrap it up.Finish off by drying your baby with a hooded towel, putting on a fresh diaper and planting a kiss on his clean, soft belly. All clean, done!