Sister Lilian’s Babycare Companion: Complimentary and traditional care. Lilian Paramor

quite a big deal. You will feel as if you have ten thumbs the first few times, and Baby is likely to be a little upset initially, but before you know it, bathtime will be one of the most enjoyable parts of the day for both of you.

      Bathing hints

      WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR BATHING BABY

      •2 big fluffy towels, one opened on the working surface, the other at the ready in case of accidental bowel or bladder voiding

      •3 soft facecloths (one for the face, one to dry the hair, one for placing on Baby’s tummy – see the step-by-step bathing guide overleaf)

      •Cotton wool balls

      •Cotton buds to clean navel (for newborns) and outer shell of ear

      •Baby shampoo

      •Liquid soap

      •Baby creams

      •A clean nappy

      •A fresh set of clothes.

      •Bath Baby at any time of day, but sticking to the same time lends rhythm to the day. An evening bath is a good way to signify the end of the day and a morning bath can precede a morning sleep.

      •Baby can be bathed in a biggish hand basin if the taps are not uncomfortably placed, or in a baby bath. Choose an option that suits you. Make sure that you have a working surface that is kind to your back.

      •You do not have to bath Baby every day as topping and tailing will do, but remember that a bath does help induce peaceful sleep, pass time and freshen Baby nicely.

      •If Baby is hungry, feed to quieten the worst of the hunger before bathing.

      Organisation is everything! Make sure that you have all necessities at hand before you undress Baby:

      •Dispense all soaps and shampoos into squeeze nozzle bottles that can be operated easily with one hand.

      •Bathing with Baby in the big bath is the greatest fun of all. It’s a wonderful way for dads to bond with their little ones. Be careful when getting out of the bath – preferably the other partner should take Baby.

      •Tidy up as you go along so that you do not have to face a grubby bath scene once the household has settled for the night.

      A step-by-step guide to bathing Baby

      •Ensure that the room has a pleasantly warm temperature – use a heater in winter.

      •Wash Baby’s face first – when still newborn use cotton wool balls and cooled, boiled water. Gradually progress to using a special facecloth. Do this before placing Baby in the bath.

      •Wash Baby’s hair before placing her into the bath. Wrap her up tightly in a big towel, securing her arms next to her body and hold her like a rugby ball under your arm. Cradle her head in your hand, your thumb over one ear and your middle finger covering the other to prevent water entering the ear canals. Wet her hair, holding her over the bath, apply shampoo, rinse and dry with a small towel or fluffy face flannel.

      •You can lather Baby before placing him in the water, or soap him once in the bath. There are no real advantages of one over the other.

      •To ensure Baby feels secure in the bath and does not cry, let her feet push up against the end of the bath.

      •If Baby flails around and seems anxious, place a soft cloth over his tummy, keeping it warm and moist, as this seems to ‘ground’ him.

      •Hold Baby’s furthest arm securely in your hand with her neck lying on your wrist, and wash the front of her body with your free hand while she is in this position. Grasp the same arm with your free hand and let her other arm and chest rest over your forearm, helping her into a ‘froggy’ position to wash the back and buttocks.

      •Once Baby is washed all over, grasp him securely around the chest, gently shake off excess water over the bath and quickly wrap him up in the soft towel you have at the ready. Pick him up and dry him as you hold him to avoid tears.

      •Once Baby is happy, dry well in all folds and creases.

      •Apply creams, talc and lotion according to your choice and Baby’s needs and dress Baby as quickly as you can.

      •Simply dress quickly, despite howls of protest.

      •Feed or massage Baby after the bath and quite likely a long and deep sleep will follow.

      •When washing Baby’s bottom using the baby bath, be careful not to tilt Baby so that her face is submerged in water.

      •Play soothing music while bathing Baby if he is particularly anxious or seems to dislike water.

      •If Baby is not feeding well at night and simply won’t settle, run a deep, warm bath and feed her there. Within twenty minutes she will settle and be ready for restful sleep.

      •Observe your baby’s body all over during bathtime – this is the one time you get to see all the bits and pieces at the same time and you will pick up anything of concern.

      •Once you have undressed Baby but before bathing, play tickling, roly-poly and other games to delight your little one and ensure a good mood for bathing.

      Fear of bathing as Baby grows

      Aversion to bathing and washing hair is quite common and is often difficult to deal with. Mostly it passes of its own accord if you don’t make too much of a fuss. Do not become agitated or anxious, as this will reinforce negative reactions from your child. This phase will pass, so keep the light at the end of the tunnel in view! One has to find practical ways of dealing with washing, and one of the following solutions should do the trick. If a traumatic incident with water led to the problem, and these tips do not help, consult a child therapist. In the meantime:

      •Bath together with your little one.

      •Place the baby bath in the big bath or shower cubicle.

      •Keep a vest and trainer pants on and wash under these.

      •In the summer, wash toddlers under the hosepipe in the garden or in a big basin of water outside.

      •Simply wash with a facecloth while your little one stands in the bathroom or in the bath.

      EARLY FEEDING AND WEIGHT GAIN

      Breastfeeding

      Feeding Baby is one of the biggest and most time-consuming early challenges, whether you are breast- or bottlefeeding. For the best results, you need a flexible, even novel, approach. so bear these principles in mind, no matter what you have been told. (Read more in the milk-feeding section of this guide.)

      •Avoid drugs in labour so that Baby is not too sleepy to latch correctly.

      •Nurse as soon as possible after birth to establish innate reflexes.

      •Room in with Baby to avoid unwanted supplement feeds.

      •Ensure correct latching onto the breast – check the Day One Tips.

      •Do not breastfeed according to a schedule.

      •Know that after three months nursing becomes progressively quicker and easier.

      •Always be comfortable when feeding – see nursing positions in the milk-feeding section.

      •Drink water, herbal or rooibos tea whenever thirsty.

      •Place