It is a fear of many new parents, bath time.  Your baby is so small and seems so fragile, the thought of giving him a bath can be frightening.  Don’t worry, you are not alone, all new parents experience this fear at some point.  Luckily, you can learn how to give your baby a bath at childcare preparation classes or at the hospital after the baby arrives.  Once you get home and get started you’ll be an old pro before you know it.

Here are a couple common questions about bath time.

How often should you give your baby a bath? Babies, especially small infants who are not yet crawling, don’t generally get that dirty.  Some parents do bath their baby everyday, however, you certainly don’t need to.  You are the best judge of when your baby needs a bath, but generally a couple of times a week will cut it.  You should wash his face everyday and clean the genitals at every diaper change.  You can also ask your pediatrician for their recommendations as well if you are quite sure how often your baby needs a bath.  If the baby likes bath time you may decided to do it more often just cause it is fun.

Where should I give my baby a bath? You can give your baby a bath where ever he is safe and you are most comfortable.  Some parents use their regular bathtub with a bath pillow or baby tub in the bottom, others use the kitchen sink, and still others use a baby tub on the counter.  Again, the most important thing here is the baby’s safety, followed of course but what you are most comfortable with.

When it is bath time be sure to assemble all the necessary bath supplies, like shampoo, soap, a washcloth and towel, before you get started.  The baby should never be left unattended while you are giving her a bath so you will want all of these supplies right at your finger tips.  Make sure the water is not too hot before you put the baby in the tub, scalding injuries are very common so be very careful.   When the bath is over be sure you wrap the baby up in a towel right away, most babies don’t like to be cold.  No need to end an otherwise enjoyable bath time with a loud scream because she got too cold.

Just like with most things in parenting, practice makes perfect.  As I stated before, if you are worried about being able to bathe your new baby you can take infant care classes that will teach you have to give the baby a bath, and the nurses at the hospital will be more than happy to show after the baby is born as well.  Talk to friends or family members that have babies, they can be a big help in teaching you what to do.

Before you know it you will both be loving bath time and you’ll be a pro.