Bathing your baby can be intimidating at first, but it’s a great learning experience for first-time parents and builds a bond between you and your baby. This helpful resource at www.whattoexpect.com gives some fantastic tips on what to keep in mind when you bathe your baby in a bathtub.
Set a Routine
It is important to establish a routine when you bathe your baby. Having bath time at a certain time every night helps establish a “body clock” and let’s the baby know that it is almost bedtime. If a bath doesn’t happen every night, it’s okay. Sometimes the baby might be hungry or cranky and in these cases you can postpone the bath to the following night.
Be Prepared
When you are preparing your baby’s bath, you need to make sure you have all your supplies ready. This includes the essentials used during the bath like tear-free baby soap and shampoo one or two washcloths, a towel or two, and a cup filled with warm water. In addition, you need to make sure you have the supplies for after your baby's bath like clean clothes, a clean diaper, and your favorite diaper cream attached to the Tush Swiper.
Keep It Warm
Draw the bath at approximately 75 to 80 degrees. You can use a thermostat to check or just test the water with your elbow or hand. Make sure that the bath is filled enough to cover the bottom of the baby. You never want to put the baby in the bath while it is still running. Put the baby into the warm water after the bath is completely done filling.
Use Tear-Free Baby Shampoo and Soap
Grab a wash cloth and place a little bit of tear-free baby soap on the wash cloth and gently wash your baby’s body. When washing the baby’s scalp, place a tiny bit of tear-free shampoo on your fingers and gently massage your baby’s scalp, including the soft spots on the top of the babies head.
Rinse and dry
After you have washed your baby, rinse with warm water by holding your baby in a cradle and pouring a cup filled with water over its head. When completely rinsed, pat your baby’s skin with a dry towel. Make sure not to rub your baby’s skin and make sure it is completely dry. Babies’ can get irritation in their skin folds if not dried thoroughly.
Tips for post-bath and getting ready for bedtime:
Use Baby Lotion
After your baby is completely dried, place a small amount of baby lotion in between your palms and massage together until warm and apply it on your baby. Gently massage the lotion into your babies skin and pat dry with a dry towel.
Diaper and dress
Apply your diaper rash cream using the Tush Swiper and put on a fresh diaper on your baby. Put your baby in a clean pair of clothes and enjoy having a fresh-smelling, clean, baby.
We hope you find these tips helpful! What is your favorite bedtime routine with your baby? Comment below!
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