Infants need complete supervision while bathing, experts say.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the adult should never leave the bathroom for a moment when a baby is bathing. Babies can drown in just on inch of water. Baby seats or rings are meant to be used as an aid only and cannot be trusted to keep a baby from drowning.
The key is to prepare all of the items needed for the bath, such as towels, lotions, clothes, and soap ahead of time. Heat the bathroom up to 75 degrees, if possible.
Run a warm, but not hot, bath just two or three inches deep. Test the temperature with your elbow. It should feel warm but not hot. You might consider adjusting your water heater to a maximum of 120 degrees. Apply just a drop of soap to the tub water.
Consider securing the faucet so it can't be turned. If bathing toddlers, install non-slip strips on the bottom of the tub.
When all is ready, make a soft cloth foamy and gently wash in circles, starting with the baby's feet. If you start with the head, the baby might start to get cold and fuss. Never scrub a baby and beware of using pressure on the umbilical cord of newborns.
If baby is fussy in the bath, apply a warm wash cloth to the chest and be sure to keep the cloth warm, according to Ecocentric Mom.
