Easy to Follow, Step-by-step guide
to giving your first
baby sponge bath

Step 1: Gathering supplies for your first baby sponge bath

- 2 bowls of warm water

- 2 wash cloths

- mild soap such as Dove Sensitive or an all over baby wash such as Johnson's Head-to-Toe

- Hooded baby towel

Step 2: Prepare Your Space

I used the island in my kitchen and folded a large adult bath towel in half to pad the surface.

Step 3: Undress your Baby

Remove all clothing and diaper. Then wrap the baby in the hooded towel and place on the padded surface.

Try to keep the baby as covered as possible and expose only the parts you are washing. I know this can be tough with a wiggly , screaming baby and yes, most likely he/she will scream. Well wouldn't you if you were cold, wet and naked?

Dip the washcloth in the plain warm water and wring out. Then gently wipe the baby's eyelids, face and sides of nose. Next wipe the outer part and behind the baby's ears. (Make sure to get those potatoes)

Step 5: Washing the Body

Next, wet the washcloth in warm water and slightly wring out. Then either rub the bar of soap with the washcloth or place a small amount of the Head-to-Toe soap on the washcloth and rub to lather.

Wash under the chin and neck area. then do shoulders, arms and armpits. Next, move on to the legs and toes. Place the soapy washcloth in one bowl and dip the other wash cloth in the plain warm water, wring out and gently wipe the soap off the baby's body. Don't forget to avoid the Umbilical Cord area.

Step 6: Washing the Genitals

If you have a baby girl, you will need to gently spread the labia (the lips) apart and wash between with a warm soapy washcloth. Remember to wash from front to back, NOT back to front, to prevent infection. Then, wipe clean with a plain water washcloth.

If you have a baby boy, gently wash his penis and scrotum making sure that you gently pull back the skin on the penis and clean around the head where gunk and diaper fuzzies can collect. Wipe clean with a plain water washcloth.

Step 7: Washing the Head

The easiest way to wash the hair during your first baby sponge bath is to wrap him/her in the towel and securely hold them in the football position over the sink. Using a cup of warm water, wet the baby's hair. Next, place a small amount of soap on the baby's head and rub gently to lather while being aware of his/her soft spot. Then take the cup and rinse with warm water.

Step 8: Dressing your Baby

Towel dry your baby. Then put a clean diaper on and dress accordingly.

Congratulations! You did it! You completed your first baby sponge bath! Wasn't that easy? Now don't you feel confident and capable?

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