Giving your baby a sponge bath can be very handy at times. Knowing how to sponge bathe your bundle of joy isn’t the same as topping and tailing, because topping and tailing does not require you to use soap. Topping and tailing is also one good alternative for baby baths you could resort to every once in a while. But, if you’re looking for the semi-full package then a sponge bath is what you should opt for. It is advisable that you give your baby a sponge bath until the umbilical stump falls off. After that, you can transition into a full bath. Here is all you need to know about giving your baby a sponge bath.
Related : Teaching Your Kid To Bathe: Safety Tips
How to Sponge Bathe Using A Bowl Of Water
You should have a bowl of water ready. The water should be lukewarm (not hot and not cold). You could use any bowl for this. If this is your first time learning how to sponge bathe, one thing to keep in mind is that the bowl of water should be comfortably within your reach. Make sure you do not need to stretch before you can get to it. Wrap your baby in a towel and lie them on their back. If you’re using a floor mat, then you should consider getting some additional padding to make it comfy. A thick towel folded twice or thrice across would do the job nicely.
Related : 10 Ways To Make Bathing Time A Fun Time
Eyes First
In knowing how to sponge bathe correctly, you must start with the eyes. Dip a ball of cotton in water and wipe your baby’s eyes. Ensure to use a new ball of cotton for each eye. When you wipe, you go from the inside corner and wipe outward, wiping in the opposite direction of the nose. You should be gentle and cautious not to poke the baby. Also, do not drop the balls of cotton close enough that your baby can grab them with their hands. They should be kept within a distance and preferably in a container. Never use the same ball of cotton twice, not for any other purpose.
The Face
This is how to sponge bathe the face. Dampen a washcloth and wipe your baby’s face. Clean the face, ears and skin fold around the neck. Pay extra attention to the skin folds around the neck because this is where milk and bacteria will congregate. If left behind it will cause an odor and may cause a rash. Ensure no water gets into the baby’s ear canals. Also, do not put anything (cotton ball, or washcloths) at all into the baby’s ear. All you should do is simply wipe over gently. A clean washcloth would do properly for this. Ensure to squeeze all the water out first so that the material is not soaked with water.
How to Sponge Bathe Using Soap
This is how to sponge bathe using soap. You should use mild soap and sparingly. Only use soap for the lower parts starting from around the neck, trunk region, and then to the legs. Use a mild soap. Do not use a product with a lot of fragrances and unnecessary ingredients. Ensure to check that the soap is safe for use on the baby. Not all baby soaps are compatible with your baby’s skin. You should also check for allergies. If you notice any redness or itching from your baby after using a product, stop using the product immediately. You should also use a different bowl for the soapy water and the water without soap for rinsing.
The Umbilical Stump
There is a lot of controversy concerning washing the umbilical stump. You should check with the doctor if you have any doubts on while caring for the umbilical cord. But, the important thing is to ensure that it is dry and clean at all times. If it is clean, then there is no need to touch it while learning how to sponge bathe. If there is some dirt then you can carefully wipe it with a clean, damp cloth. Make sure to pat it dry afterward or air dry it. The umbilical stump must always be kept dry. It is a sensitive area (as it is an actual wound the baby has) and the opening could be a medium for infection if not taken care of.
Related : Bath Tips For Baby Skin Care
The Hair
This is how to sponge bathe (or wash) the baby’s hair. Not every baby requires the use of shampoo for washing their hair. But, if your baby has dry hair or the hair is dirty, then you should consider using a shampoo. Cup your hand in the water and gently pour it over the baby’s head. The water should go downwards and shouldn’t get on the face. Do not use a cup so that you don’t get a lot of water. Also, it is easier to control which parts get the water when you use your hands to scoop. Add a little amount of baby shampoo. Rub in a circular motion and then rinse well.
Rinse
There are a few ways to rinse when you’re done and have learned how to sponge bathe your child. You obviously won’t be using a cup. When the hair has been shampooed you can use a cup to rinse (if you’re sure of not getting water in places they shouldn’t be). You could also use your hand to scoop the water and rinse. For the other parts of the body, you could use a second washcloth for rinsing. Soak the washcloth in lukewarm water and clean. You shouldn’t allow the soapy water dry on the baby’s skin before rinsing. Make sure the bowl you are using is large enough to provide clean water for the rinse.
Baby Skin
Some babies have soft skin, but, there are others whose skin is a bit more sensitive. Bathing can dry the skin of these sensitive skinned babies. If your baby’s skin is a little dry or if you noticed it peeling, then you should rub a gentle moisturizer on it. Otherwise, avoid unnecessary moisturizing. You should also be careful when selecting baby products. Bathing your kid every day isn’t recommended. For baby’s with sensitive skin, bathing every day would end up damaging their skin. So, make sure you know your baby’s skin type when learning how to sponge bathe them and treat it accordingly.
Put On a Clean Diaper
This is how to sponge bathe and care for the nappy area. Do not use the same diaper they had before the bath. Even if they did not soil it, do not let the same dirt go back on the clean body. There should be a clean diaper waiting for you. Immediately after you finish bathing your baby, you should put them in a new, clean diaper. You may choose to apply powder, but generally avoiding it (if you can) is better. Talcum powder can be harmful to babies. If your baby had a bowel movement, then you should clean that before starting the bath. You do not want to transfer bowel waste bacteria to the water while learning how to sponge bathe your little one.
Tips
These are important things to know when learning how to sponge bathe your baby. Ensure your hands are on the child during the bath at all times. You should also make it fun and enjoyable (as much as you can). Some babies have a hard time with cold weather. If that is your baby, then limit the time of exposure of their body. You should also be ready to start giving your baby an actual bath once the umbilical stump falls off. The steps on how to bathe a baby are somewhat similar to the steps on how to sponge bathe a baby. Just that when giving the baby a full bath, you will use soap and pour water over the body. You will also need to bath them in a bathtub.
Related : Teaching Your Kid To Take A Bath
