Having a baby comes with a complete lifestyle change. You will need to make sure that your little one gets into a routine, or you are likely to face sleepless nights. In the first few weeks, your baby will be sleeping most of the time, and the best time to connect with them will be during feeding and bath time. If you want to make the most out of the precious moments of bathing your baby each day, you will find some tips from experienced moms below.
“baby bath” by Jared Tarbell is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Stick to a Routine
It is important that you start a routine early and stick to it. The best time to give your baby a bath is when you are both relaxed and undisturbed. If you find time after dinner when all the cooking and tidying is done, this can be the perfect spot to connect with your baby. Never do baths right after feeding time, or wake up your little one just to have a bath. Choose a time they are generally awake, but not too tired. If they can’t wait to go to bed, they will be less receptive to play.
Get Everything Ready
To avoid chaos, you need to get everything ready for bath time before you allow your baby in the water. Have your nappies, wipes, lotions, nursery essentials, toys, warmed up bath towels, and robes, as well as the clean clothes on the side. Get the bin and laundry basket close to your bathing area, so you don’t have to leave your baby or carry them around while you fetch something. This is a special time, and you need to make the most out of it.
Use Special Lighting
To make this special time count, you can stimulate your new baby’s senses with some special lights. Get a color changing lamp next to the bath, or a moving light that makes a sound. This will keep your small baby occupied and entertained while you bath them. If they are not particularly keen on bath time, you can use toys to keep them engaged and busy while you get through bath time.
Make the Temperature Right
“Bath Baby – 11 months” by Abi Porter is licensed under CC BY 2.0
It is important to get the air temperature and water temperature right. While there are different devices that allow you to check the water, you should always make sure your baby is comfortable with the water. Not all children are the same, and your baby’s skin might be more sensitive than others’. Always check the temperature with your elbow, and see if your baby is happy to jump in or they show signs of discomfort. Air temperature should be similar to the water temperature, so your little one doesn’t catch a cold while you dry them.
Involve other Family Members
If you have older children, or your partner is home during bath times, make this a family program. This makes it easier for them to build a positive relationship with the baby and feel comfortable around them. Ask older siblings to help you with different tasks, and allow your partner to take over at times. This way, you can ensure all family members develop a strong bond with the newborn.
Add Music
Music has a positive impact on bath times. You can use natural sounds or play nursery songs for older babies during bath time. If they feel particularly nervous and unhappy about bath times, it is time to let the music do the magic. Don’t have the television on; this is a special time for you and your baby to spend some quality time together, relax, and bond. Enjoy the time off, and calm yourself down, as well as your little one.
Use Natural Shampoo and Baby Bath
The quality of the products you use on your baby’s skin is important. Always check the ingredients of the shampoo and bath products you buy for your baby, and look out for any sign of sensitivity. To avoid chemicals getting in their eyes, try cradle cap shampoo that is designed for newborns. Always do a sensitivity test, instead of pouring the product in the bath water or on your baby’s skin. If something causes irritation, stop using it immediately, and seek advice from your nurse about the treatment options. Use a lotion after every bath, with natural ingredients, such as Chamomile that calms the skin.
Let Them Play After Bath
It is important that you allow your baby to have a little play after bath. They are relaxed, calm, and inquisitive. Allow them to go on their floor mat and pick up whichever toy they like having around. Carry on using music and visual stimulation, and take the opportunity to play with them. You can find out a lot about your baby’s personality and preferences after a bath when they are free to play and are relaxed. Look out for their favorite toys, sounds, and materials, so you can keep on improving their play area.
Don’t Force It
Sometimes babies simply don’t feel like having a bath, and this is OK. Newborns are not likely to get too dirty during the day, anyway. If you would like to give them a wipe down with a wet cloth instead, and save them from the torture, that is fine. The last thing you want to do is make bath time a painful experience for your baby. Sometimes little ones are not well enough to have a bath, or feel too tired. If you have been out all day in the park, and all the baby wants to do is being fed and going to sleep, bathing them would be cruel. While sticking to routines is important, skipping one or two days cannot hurt.
Looking after your newborn can be challenging. Your home might be in a chaotic state, and you have no time to do anything. Put all your chores aside when you give them a bath, and enjoy the time spent together. Get ready, get organized, and stimulate their senses. Involve other family members if you can, and you will have a happy baby and a fantastic time.
