Bathing Baby

Why you don’t need a baby bath for bathing baby

When you think about bathing a baby, what is it that you imagine? Is it something you have even really thought about? Or just another thing you have to do? Have you been baby shopping, seen the baby baths/seats and just assumed that is what you should do?

Bath time with my baby, for me, was something that I looked forward to throughout my pregnancy. It was one of those pieces of advice you get from your parents, but this one stuck. It just felt so right and in line with how I saw myself parenting.

My opinion is DON’T bother with the baby baths or baby seats. These are just another way to contain your baby for no reason. Bathing with your baby is another wonderful way to bond.

We did not buy any bath products like that, we saw no need for them. When our children were first born we top and tail washed them on a towel on the bathroom floor. There was never enough water to worry about the mess. Once their umbilical cord had come away, we had our first bath together. The first of many beautiful bonding moments.

Sometimes Nathan or Phoenix would be in the bath by themselves. We would be on the outside with a hand under their head/neck. Giving them a bit more space and freedom to explore their environment. Sometimes we put a hand under their bum, as well, if we felt they needed it.

Preparation

Getting in the bath with a tiny baby can be daunting. This is like most of becoming a new parent, but it’s worth it.

I would highly recommend having your partner there the first few times. Their support and help can build your confidence. They could pass you your baby once you’re in the bath and take them at the end.

You should NOT get into the bath with your baby in your arms. This can be dangerous if you were to slip. Put baby in a Moses basket at the side of the bath with a towel in. See my post on baby products.

Make sure you are fully prepared for your bath with your baby. You don’t want to be sat in the bath and realise you have forgotten something. I know I’ve been there. It isn’t easy to open baby wash bottles one-handed.

Things to remember

• If you are home alone, have a towel in a Moses basket close to the bath. You can place baby in there while you get in, and when you get out. Wrapping him up warm in the towel.
• Don’t forget your towels as well.
• The room should be around 23 degrees Celsius, a comfortable heat to keep your baby warm.
• If you are planning to wash your baby, make sure you have the bottles open and ready. You may also want a washcloth and a little jug at hand.
• Prepare somewhere to dress your baby after the bath. Either in the bathroom or another room. Make sure to have his nappy, clothes and any cream you will be using.  
• Try to remember when baby pooed, so that you bathe when this won’t happen. If it does happen get your baby out and rinse yourself down.

If you are bathing with your baby, run the bath to a depth that you are happy with, and at a temperature of 37-38 degrees Celsius. If you don’t have a thermometer then the best thing to use is your elbow. It gives a better reading than using your hand. The water should feel neither hot nor cold. It is also not recommended to use a bubble bath with a young baby.

Time to jump in

Once you have everything prepared, it is time for the bath. Make sure the chair/bouncer, you have your baby in, is close enough for you to reach safely once you are in the bath. Kneel over and lift your baby from the chair/basket and bring them into the bath with you. Bathtime is a great time for you and your baby to relax and unwind.

If your baby is quite awake then you can sit in the bath with your legs open and let your baby float between them, your hand under his head/neck for support. As pictured below baby has the freedom to kick and splash without being contained. You do not need a big bath, as pictured. This is at the In-Laws. At home, it is just a normal one and works perfectly.

If you do not feel confident enough for that, then you could always have them as pictured below. Again supporting their head and neck, but they are closer to you.

If Nathan simply wanted to relax I would lie back with him on my chest. His body would not always be submerged, so I would either gently pour water on him from a jug or wipe him with a wet flannel. I would do the same when breastfeeding in the bath, as I never managed to figure out how to feed while his body was under the water.

Once you have finished in the bath, place your baby back in the chair/basket and wrap them up snuggly in the towel. Now you can either get out and tend to your baby or if your baby is quite happy you can get yourself washed. It was good for us as we had a shower over the bath, meaning I could drain the bath and have a shower.

Conclusion

It might seem daunting at first, but it is easy to incorporate bathing baby in the normal bath, either with or without you. This way baby has a lot more freedom of movement to explore their surroundings themselves.

It doesn’t just have to be the mother that bathes with the baby, let dad get in and have this special bonding moment.