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Your Baby Week Four

By Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About.com

Updated: December 12, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

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Week Four Care Tips

Your baby's umbilical cord has likely come off by now and so you are likely looking forward to graduating your baby from sponge baths to "real" baths.

Since your four-week-old baby doesn't have much head control, you won't actually be able to put your baby in much bath water though. And you won't actually be putting your baby in a regular bathtub. Instead, use a smaller baby tub or basin, and only put an inch or two of water in your baby's bath for the next few months.

Baby's First Bath

Where and how you bathe your baby often comes down to convenience and a parent's personal preference.

You do want to make sure that you bathe your baby safely though, including that you:

  • prevent scalding burns by setting the temperature of your hot water heater to 120.
  • keep in mind that most babies only need a bath two or three times a week. If your baby really enjoys taking a bath and doesn't have dry skin, often spits up, or has a lot of dirty diapers, then a daily bath may be necessary.
  • not leave your baby unattended, even for a second, when you are giving her a bath.
  • support your baby's head and neck while she is in the bath and wash her with your other hand.

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