First Bath

By Lynne Ticknor

The first time my husband and I gave our firstborn, Abigail, a bath, we prepared in advance for the momentous event. We gathered supplies using a checklist I clipped from a parenting magazine, laid out a new diaper and freshly washed clothes and set up the camcorder and the camera. We were both a little nervous, but the experience was a success other than a tired and slightly-chilled baby by the end of the experience.

When it was time to give our second child his first bath, it was my mom who was there to help me. With two experienced moms giving a newborn his first bath, the event was quite different than it had been with my daughter. We didn't do much advanced planning. In fact, I think it was a last minute thought, "Hey Mom, do you think we can give Jack a quick cleaning while Abigail is occupied with play dough and before we start preparing dinner?"

We quickly drew shallow water in a plastic baby bathtub we placed in the kitchen sink and grabbed the nearest towel (I think it was a clean dish towel). Being careful not to wet the umbilical cord, we sponged him clean with washed his near-bald head. We never thought to get out the video camera, and snapping a few pictures was almost an afterthought.

But what I remember most about this experience was that I shared it with my mom. The same woman who cleansed by naked body 35 years ago was now standing by my side, helping me bathe my son. She spoke gently to him, soothing away his anxiety and fear. She made sure the water temperature was just right. And true to her modest upbringing, she covered his private parts just seconds before I snapped pictures. I remember looking through the camera lens and seeing the deep contrast of my mom's aged hand against his delicate newborn skin. I will always treasure this memory, and, although the experience happened several years ago, the emotions it stirs in me feel as recent as if it were yesterday. When I think of Jack's first bath, I will always be reminded of my mom's loving care as he lay naked with her hand cradling his head.