Bathing the baby while holding him/her over your arm

It is best to bathe newborn babies while holding them over your arm until the umbilical stump falls off and the umbilical wound heals, usually during the first month.

Before bathing, prepare the supplies and the room.

Both parents are involved in bathing. One parent holds the baby and the other pours water. Put your left hand under the baby's chest so that the thumb is under the baby's armpit on one side, and the other fingers are on the baby's chest on the other side. None of the fingers must be under the neck.

Find balance; the baby should be comfortable in this position.

Put a flat cloth diaper folded in a square over the umbilical stump, so that it does not get wet.

Gently wash the baby's head first, then the torso and arms, and finally the buttocks and legs. To rinse in the end, one of the parents should pour water from a rinsing jug over the baby's back (water is never poured directly on the baby, but is slowly poured over the parent's hand).

The movements must be light and without jerks, to avoid scaring the baby. It is important to rinse the scalp thoroughly to prevent the formation of crusty patches on the crown of head - cradle cap.

After bathing, gently cover the baby with a soft towel and wrap him/her. Dry the skin well by patting lightly, without rubbing; rub the scalp well, with circular motions, until the hair is completely dry.