Handle the baby gently when dressing him or her. Babies much prefer being undressed.
Clothing should be simple to slip on and take off because the baby may be crying and perhaps stiff and rigid from exertion. Loose clothes with snap fasteners are preferable to clothing that has to be pulled over the head.
The Bath
In the early weeks, bath-time may take longer than anticipated because both parent and baby do not know quite what to expect. As soon as a routine is established, the baby will feel more secure and tolerant of handling.
Make sure in these early days that the room and bath temperatures are kept constant throughout the bath-time. For the first six weeks, the temperature in the room should be 70-75ºF (21-24ºC). After six weeks it may then be 65-70ºF (18-21ºC). The bathwater should be kept at 100-104ºF (37-40ºC), slightly higher than normal body temperature. Keep a pitcher of warm water near the bath to top off the bathwater should it cool down too much.
Be kind to the baby; handle him or her with warm hands; speak softly in a soothing voice.
Most babies love being in the water, but hate coming out of it; they cry, showing signs of insecurity and shivering. The baby should be wrapped immediately in a towel and held tightly for a moment. This helps a baby to relax again. Now slowly start to dry the baby, either on your lap or on a changing mat. Be sure that a soft, absorbent towel covers the plastic mat before you lay the baby on it. Now gently open the towel in which the baby is wrapped and pat dry with a second towel. Always try to keep covered the parts of the body that are not actually being dried.
When the baby is dry, you may apply ointment to the diaper area if you wish, and then begin to dress the baby. Put on the undershirt first to keep the body warm, then the diaper, and finally the nightgown. All this time, the baby may be impatient to be nursed. But do not let loud complaints distract you from what you are doing.
