Washing
Babies get dirty. They are very good at getting dirty. They need to be cleaned. Many times during the day. Cleaning a baby often, keeps the baby from getting sick more often. They also smell nicer after they are washed.
* Generally, you will want to wash your baby 3 or 4 times a day. When they wake up in the morning, before they go to bed, and once or twice during the day and evening. A good time to wash the baby is when they need their diaper changed., since you have to clean them already.
* Use soap when washing at least twice a day. It's not always necessary to use soap every time you wash your baby, but a couple times a day is enough.
* Keep soap out of your baby's eyes, nose, ears and mouth.
* Use baby soap. This is a weaker form of soap that does not damage the eyes as much as regular soap.
* Don't scrub too much. This can damage the baby's skin.
* Don't slip and fall. This is for you and for the baby. Many injuries happen to a baby during washing time.
* If you are using a wash tub, don't leave the baby unattended, even for a few seconds. Many baby drownings happen while washing the baby. Don't even leave the baby unattended if they are near a wash tub, if they can crawl or walk.
* Don't wash the baby's hair more than once a day with soap, unless their hair is really dirty. More than once a day can damage the baby's hair.
* Most babies love playing in water. If you're using a wash tub this is a great time to play with them. When the baby is 6 months and older, you can float some of their rubber and plastic play toys in the water for them to play with.
