There are few things as heavenly sweet as the smell of a freshly bathed baby. Gentle bathing is an important part of infant care and a wonderful opportunity for bonding. However, baby baths also hold the potential for danger. New parents need to know about the risks of scalding, falls, and drowning.

Tender Skin

An infant’s skin is very tender. Water that feels hot to an adult can scald a baby’s skin in seconds. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of injuries and more than 30 deaths occur in homes each year due to scalding from hot tap water. Bath water should be between 90 and 100 degrees.

First Baths

Until the stump of a newborn’s umbilical cord falls off, a baby should have only sponge baths. To sponge bathe a baby safely, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• Wrap the baby in a towel and place on a soft, safe surface.
• If the surface is above the floor, use a safety strap or keep one hand on the baby so he or she doesn’t tumble off.
• Wash carefully the creases near the arms, ears, neck, and genital area.
• Wash the diaper area last.

Tub Baths

Once the umbilical cord has healed, bathe a baby in a sink or plastic tub lined with a clean towel or sponge. Then, as your baby grows older and learns to sit, he or she can graduate to the big tub. Always remember the following safety tips:

• Never leave the baby unattended, even for a moment. Infants have rolled into water and drowned when a parent rushed to answer a door or telephone.
• Use no more than two inches of water.
• Never assume the bath rings or seats (which can tip over) will take the place of close supervision.

Sources: www.aap.org, www.cpsc.gov, www.johnsonbaby.com.