What are the precautions for bathing an infant at home?

Generally speaking, the key considerations for bathing an infant at home include proper environmental preparation, precise control of water temperature, constant supervision throughout the process, use of gentle cleansing methods, and limiting the duration of the bath. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Proper environmental preparation: Adjust the bathroom or room temperature to 26–28°C before bathing. Preheat the space with a bathroom heater or warm air blower for 10–15 minutes in advance, and keep doors and windows closed to minimize air currents. Prepare clean clothes, soft towels, baby-specific bathing products, and a thermometer in advance to avoid interrupting supervision to search for items.

2. Precise water temperature control: Maintain the water temperature steadily between 38–40°C. Use a baby-specific thermometer to measure the temperature rather than relying on an adult's hand. When filling the tub, add cold water first, then hot water, stirring thoroughly before checking the temperature. If the water cools during the bath, after adding a small amount of hot water, stir again and recheck the temperature to prevent localized hot spots that may scald the baby.

3. Constant supervision: An adult must remain present throughout the entire bathing process, with hands never leaving the infant's body. When placing the baby into the tub, support the head and neck with one hand and the buttocks with the other while slowly lowering the baby into the water. During the bath, always keep the baby's face above water to prevent water from entering the mouth or nose, and never leave the baby unattended, even briefly.

4. Gentle cleansing methods: Use a soft cloth or towel to gently wipe the skin, paying attention to folds but avoiding vigorous rubbing. Choose baby-specific cleansers that are fragrance-free and soap-free, using them only 1–2 times per week. Clean the scalp gently, avoiding letting water enter the ears or eyes.

5. Limiting the bath duration: The recommended bathing time is 5–10 minutes, as longer baths may cause infant fatigue, chilling, or dry skin. Complete the cleaning quickly, and if the baby becomes fussy or cries, stop immediately, wrap the baby up, and provide comfort.

After the bath, quickly pat the baby dry with a towel, ensuring folds are dried thoroughly, apply baby moisturizer, and dress the baby in clean clothes to maintain warmth and comfort and reduce the risk of discomfort.