Bath time with baby is one of the happiest times in the day of any parent. But for new parents, bath time can also be a tense ordeal. Today we share some tips to make bath time with baby both bearable and enjoyable for new parents.
1. Newborns Need Special Treatment
It’s a little-known fact that babies are born with a special coating (vernix caseosa) that keeps them clean and regulates their temperature, so there’s no rush to start bathing them. Until their umbilical cords fall off (normally 1-2 weeks) simply using a soft sponge and warm water is enough to keep them nice and clean (this is called topping and tailing). After that, a bath once or twice a week should be sufficient until they start crawling (and get really dirty!). Just remember that to begin with, it’s best to use a contoured baby bath that is both comfortable and safe.
2. Just Relax
This is essential. If you’re feeling stressed about bath time, then your baby will feel stressed too. Instead, singing lullabies as you lower them into the bath and wash them, and keeping them entertained with bath toys and bath books will help them relax into bath time and you to enjoy it too. As they get used to this new experience, stay close to them to reassure them, holding their little hands as much as possible. With you within touching distance your baby will feel happy, safe and secure.
3. Don’t Panic If There’s Tears
It’s quite normal for little ones not to be keen on bath time at first so don’t panic if there’s some tears when you try to introduce them to bath time. But by keeping the atmosphere relaxed and maintaining a regular routine, they will slowly adjust, and you can be sure that bath time will become a highlight of their day.
4. Dip Your Toe in the Water
Always test the temperature of the bath water before putting your baby in the water as you really don’t want it to be boiling hot or tepid. Experts recommend 36-38 degrees Celsius as the best temperature for a baby bath. By keeping the water the right temperature, your baby will find bath time much more comfortable and relaxing.
5. Only use baby friendly bath products.
While bubbles make bath time really fun for everyone, newborns and infants don’t really need these kind of products to keep clean and unfortunately a lot of bubble bath products contain artificial fragrances and other chemical ingredients that could be harmful to sensitive baby skin. Most young babies do not find bubbles as amusing as older babies and will likely try to eat them. As fun as that may sound, we all obviously care first and foremost for the safety of our little ones. So to avoid any issues, check the products you use extremely carefully and check that only organic and natural ingredients are used, and that they are pH neutral. Be sure that any products used are rinsed off properly afterward to avoid irritation.
Don’t stress, have fun!
Bath time with baby is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to bond. So sing a few lullabies, splash the water around and let your hair down! Over time your baby will get used to the bath time routine and bath time together will become one of the happiest times you share together.
