A newborn baby is absolutely a bundle of joy, but it is also a bundle of questions for the new parents. Some of the major questions often center on bath time. How hot does the water need to be? Should I use my regular-sized tub? What supplies do I need? Are there any special techniques? The questions go on and on and, of course, there are answers. Here are a few of them.
First off, you’ll need to look at two different sizes: newborn and 0-3 months. For those first couple of weeks you’ll mainly be using newborn onesies (undershirts), nightgowns with elastic or a drawstring around the bottom, hats, and socks. When he is this small you shouldn’t need more than four onesies and two or three nightgowns.
Newborn outfits are fun to have, but the nightgowns make diaper changing a breeze. Make sure you have two or three hats and four or five pairs of socks as well. Also, blankets are essential. Receiving blankets are the best to work with cause it’s easy to bundle baby in them, but you’ll find uses for a nice blanket as well.
As far as supplies go, you’ll need some soft baby washcloths, a soft towel such as a baby hooded towel, and some mild baby soap. Also, get some fresh clothes and a diaper ready for when baby is done. While it isn’t absolutely necessary to use baby hooded towels and washcloths, it’s a good idea because they are soft and the perfect size for baby.
Four or five footed pajamas are also very nice. They’re easy to get baby in and out of which makes diaper changing much easier. As your baby gets older you won’t need the hats quite as much, but a couple in a bigger size will still be nice. The socks your baby wore as a newborn may still fit. If not, get another package in a bigger size. Socks have a tendency to get lost so you’re going to want at least eight pairs.
There are a few items you should get that will work for any age. For baby’s bath get a baby hooded towel, or even two baby hooded towels, six baby washcloths, and baby soap. You’ll be able to use these for at least six months (not the soap, you may run out of that). And last but not least, get six receiving blankets (or more) and six burp cloths. You are guaranteed to need them.
Bath time, when done right, can be an enjoyable time for both of you, and you’ll learn your own special way of doing things as you go along. Remember that baby doesn’t need to be bathed every day. Once or twice a week is fine. That way it will be an event, rather than a chore. The most important thing, however, is to be calm, happy, and interact with your baby so he knows what’s going on, too.
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