Process of Washing an Infant - Essay Example

Process of washing an infant Introduction Washing of infants is one of the most scaring things for mothers and especially first time mothers as the babies are too small and fragile to handle. Most mothers therefore prefer sponge bathing their infants or seeking the help of professionals to wash their babies until they are old enough where they can sit in the bath. The step by step processes explained below offer useful tips of how an infant should be bathed and it is not as rocket science as it believed to be.

The alternative process also explained can be used by fathers as well. The importance of learning this process is to avoid keeping the baby uncomfortable without full bath that relaxes them, saving money on professional services and the most important is that bathing time offers perfect bonding time between a parent (either the mother or father) and the infant. The first step is to decide where the baby will take a bath. The choices in this case are the kitchen sink, the regular wash tub or have a special washing tub for the infant which is the ideal size.

The secret in this step is to ensure the parent is in a comfortable position so that he or she can be able to grip the baby steadily as well as wash them without losing that grip. This should be followed by regulating the temperature of the room and of the bathing water. After deciding which room is idle to wash the baby in, regulation of the room temperature is required so that the baby dos not chill during the bath. This is closely followed by regulation of the water to a temperature that is not too hot or too cold.

If one has a thermometer, the ideal temperature should be between 90 and 100 Fahrenheit. If not testing the water with the wrist which is sensitive will guide the parent on the ideal temperature. The next step is to prepare the baby’s clothing such as the towel, the clothes, diaper, wash cloth, lotion and bathing soap. There is also the alternative of baby shampoo though care should be made to ensure that is tear-free. This should be followed by undressing of the baby and then dipping it in the water feet first.

A firm grip of the baby with one hand under the neck is needed in order to support the baby as well as prevent it from wobbling its head which is still not firm at this stage of development. Use the soap and wash cloth to wash starting from the head moving downwards and ending with the diaper area. Any skin folds should be thoroughly cleaned. Having completed the bathing, towel and dry it and apply lotion (this is optional) and dress the baby. Hand the baby over to someone else and clean the bathing area.

The cleaning should not be done before clothes are put on the baby. An alternative process is entering in the tub with the baby and washing it from there. This is ideal for bonding even with the father as there is skin to skin contact. It is also recommended for feisty babies. Conclusion Following the process above step by step is important for the health and safety of the baby as well as ensuring that the bonding process is uninterrupted. Practice daily or at least several times a week will give the parent confidence and this is a lifetime skill.

Work Cited Green, Sandy. Baby and Toddler Development Made Real: Featuring the Progress of Jasmine Maya 0-2 Years. New York: Routledge, 2013.