Bathing your baby can be a great experience as it gives you time to spend with your baby and bond with them. It is normal and natural to feel a bit worried and anxious if you have never bathed your baby before. Here are some things to keep in mind when you bathe your baby.
You Will Build Confidence with Time
Some people will find that when they are too careful it takes so much time to give their baby a bath during the first weeks. This is extremely natural and you will grow in confidence as time goes by.
You don’t have to worry too much if your baby doesn’t quite enjoy having a bath in the beginning as some babies don’t like having a bath. It will perhaps take some time for them to get used to it and start to enjoy it more often.
Start a Routine
Depending on if it’s a bath, a top and tail nappy change, try and keep to the same routine every time you do it, this will help your baby learn what is happening and help them stay safe.
Talk to your baby every time through every step and tell them what you’re doing and make them a part of their routine.
What Do I Need to do Before Bathing Your Baby
Before you give your baby a bath, you need to keep several things in mind. It is important to get everything ready and make sure that the room’s warm and free of draughts. Get out a towel, a fresh nappy and some clean clothes. Next, check the water’s the right temperature and your baby is awake and ready. Remember to wash your hands.
How to Fill the Bath Before You Bathe Your Baby?
When filling the bath, put cold water in the bath first, then add hot water, tst the temperature with your elbow, it should feel quite comfortable. First fill it with about 8 to 10 cm of water so they can move their arms and legs about.
If you use your bath you will need to lean over your baby which isn’t quite comfortable. Usually, it’s easier to use a basin or a small baby bath on the floor. If they are bigger and you’re feeling more confident, you might need to try a slightly deeper bath.
How to Bathe Your Baby
When bathing your baby, remember to keep one hand under their head and shoulders to support them. Use your free hand to wet their body, if they only have just a little hair, rinse their head by pouring some water over it with your hand. Try rubbing over the skin gently with a clean cloth.
How to Use Soaps and Shampoos?
If you are bathing a baby, only use plain water for newborn babies. After some time, you can begin using an unperfumed baby bath from around 4 to 6 weeks, but be careful not to use too much to damage your baby’s skin.
