If you are anything like me, the first time you give your baby a bath is absolutely terrifying. I know it's an important bonding moment and one you'll never frget, but the pressure of keeping your little one safe and calm in the water can be scary!
To make things easier and more enjoyable, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. I have tried out several methods (and can confidently confirm that my husband's idea of using a bucket, yes, a bucket, is probably not going to be the solution you are looking for) and my ideas below are the best of the bunch.
It’s important to do your research and know the basics of bathing your little one, whether you do that by spending hours scouring Google, ask your Mum or best friend or read your favorite baby sites or blogs like mine, make sure you know what you are in for! From the right temperature of water to the best products for their delicate skin, read on for everything you need to know about giving your child a bath that is safe and fun!
The Basics of Bathing Baby Safely
Prepping for Baby's Bathtime
Preparation is key! Before you give your child a bath, there are few things that you need to consider first. Make sure that you have everything on hand that you'll need like a baby bath, towels, washcloths, shampoo/body wash, lotion and more. When I say 'on hand', I do literally mean within your arm's reach! Once you've got a wiggly little worm in the bath tub, you won't be able to move your eyes away for even a second, so it's important to make sure you have everything that you will need lined up and ready to go.
I also would put the towel that i would use to dry baby over my shoulder. That way, when it;s time to take baby out of the tub, you don't have to scrabble around trying to get the towel over them and make sure they don't get cold, you have the towel right there on your shoulder ready to wrap them tight.
Even if you can't get that towel wrapped around them right on their departure from the water, if you want to make sure that the room is warm—you can do this using a baby room thermometer—and that the water temperature is just right (about 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit) using a baby bath thermometer and use only a few inches of water in the tub, baby will be comfortable regardless.
Once you've got everything set up and ready to go, then it's time for some fun!
Splash Time!
Now it's time to get your baby in the tub!
One of the things I was most afraid of is that bay would slip and fall. We started with a simple plastic tub that was a gift at my baby shower. I didn't have any support for baby and was quite large for our tiny newborn.
if only I had known on day one about these!! If you need a helping hand (or an extra arm) to keep baby supported in the water and you're not using a baby bath that has one integrated, you can use a baby bath support or seat. These are great for keeping baby safe and comfortable while they splash around. It means you get to keep both arms free and ensures baby's head will stay above water.
You can use a soft cloth or sponge to wash them with a specially formulated baby wash gently instead of harsh chemicals or using products meant for adults which can have some ingredients that can be harmful for baby's delicate skin. Look for products that are free of fragrances, dyes, sulfates and parabens so you can be sure that your little one is getting only the best.
Most importantly, never leave your child unattended in the tub, as even a few inches of water can be dangerous if they were to slip or fall.
Clean Up Time!
Once bath time is done, wrap baby up in a warm towel and make sure to dry them off completely. Then, use a mild lotion or baby moisturizer to keep their skin hydrated and soft.
If you used bath toys, you can check out my guide on how to clean bath toys safely and effectively: Scrub-a-Dub-Dub: Sparkling Bath Toys in Baby's Tub
After that, it's all snuggles and cuddles until the next bath time!
Ways to Make Bath Time Fun!
Now that you have all the basics covered, let’s talk about how to make bath time fun! To start off, some parents like playing music or singing songs while their little one is in the tub. Using colorful rubber ducks or other bath toys can help keep them entertained while they get clean.
You can also make sure that the bathroom is warm and comfortable so that they don’t get too cold during bath time.
And lastly, remember that it’s important to be relaxed and have fun during this special bonding time—your little one will pick up on those vibes and enjoy themselves too!
Tips & Tricks
In addition to making bath time fun, there are a few safety tips that parents should keep in mind as well. Avoid using harsh chemicals on their skin (including bubble baths) since these can be irritating for babies' delicate skin.
Also be sure not to leave your little one unattended in the bathtub—even for a split second—as this can put them at risk of drowning or scalding from hot water.
Finally, try not to stress out over bath time! Relaxation is key; keeping yourself calm will help ensure that your child feels secure and enjoys their time in the tub as much as possible!
Conclusion
Bathing your baby doesn't have to be stressful—in fact, with a few simple tips and tricks it can be an enjoyable experience for both parent and child alike! Keep these tips in mind when giving your little one a bath so that you can make every moment with them count.
Have fun during bath time—your baby will thank you later!
