What to Consider When Bathing a Baby

Some babies love bathing. They love to play with water and all the other cool water toys. Some like it some much that they don’t want to come out of the tub even if you pull them out.

Then there are some babies who detest bathing. No matter how many toys you give them to play with, they don’t want to bathe. They will scream and cry for as long as they are in the water. It’s like a turn on and off switch. As soon as she touches the water she starts crying and stops when out.

If your baby does not like to bathe, try wiping her body with a warm soft washcloth. Fortunately, this situation does not last very long. Eventually they come around. Some take a month, some six months some a bit more, but eventually they all enjoy taking a bath.

It really does not matter where you bathe your baby – kitchen sink, your bathroom bathtub or anywhere else. Just make sure it’s clean and distraction free. The primary purpose is to keep your baby clean and the secondary purpose is to keep her happy and smiling the whole time she bathing.

Baby bathtubs are designed to look attractive to the baby and convenient for you.There are tubs with soft mesh sling where your baby lays on her back as you slowly bathe your newborn. Some have contoured sits and slip-resistant pads in the tub so the baby does not slip while in the tub.

There are several types of baby bathtubs:

The basic baby bathtub is actually a miniaturized version of an adult tub. This most basic bathtub is made of plastic is very simple and easy to use. Can be placed inside of an adult bathtub, on the kitchen counter or any flat surface.

Bucket and hammock bathtubs are usually made for newborns. They are designed to keep the baby in place –very convenient for the parent to bathe the baby.

Multistage bathtubs are convertible tubs where switch different options for different stages of the baby’s growth. They can be used for babies from 0 – 3 years old.

Inflatable and foldup bathtubs are designed mainly for portability and storage.

Babies are not adults. They don’t go out much to get themselves dirty. This is especially true for babies who have not learned to crawl yet. Bathing too often will dry out their skin. You can skip bathing your newborn once or twice a week. For babies who crawl or walk, bathe them regularly.

What is the Best Time for Bathing

Bathe your baby when it’s convenient for you when you expect least interruption and disruption. Night time before going to bed is usually the best time for that. It can become part of your daily routine.

There are exceptions to this also. There are babies who become super excited when in water. Their adrenalin goes up the roof. They are not going to sleep right after bathing. In general, try to bathe your baby one hour before bed.

Keeping Your Baby Safe While Bathing

You should not bathe a newborn in the first one or two weeks. Bathe your baby after her umbilical cord stump has dried up and the area is healed. They are very fragile at this stage, their neck is not strong enough to hold their head upright. They are a bit tricky to hold while bathing. They become very slippery after using the soap. Always have a firm grip on your baby. If you find it too risky, use a small towel to hold her in place.

Never under any circumstance leave your baby unattended in a bath tub, even if there is only one inch of water in it. Keep everything you need handy, don’t answer the phone or the door. Don’t leave the baby with an older sibling – they are still kids. If absolutely required scoop up the baby, wrap her in a dry towel then take her with you.

Make sure that the water is 98 – 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour cold water first, then the hot water. Even if there is a temperature indicator in the tub, use your elbow to confirm that the water just warm enough for the baby.

Most baby tubs come with anti-slip material where the baby sits. There are contours in the tub to make sure that the baby does not slip. If your tub does not have anti-slip padding, use a towel instead or buy an anti-slip bath mat.

Never use non-baby soap or shampoo on a baby. Their skin is very soft and sensitive. The adult product may cause irritation or dry skin. Also, try to avoid bubble bath, your baby’s skin may be sensitive to that. Use tear free products.

Increase the room temperature so that your baby feels comfortable when she comes out of the water.