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10 Top Tips For Bathing Your Baby

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tips for bathing your baby
Bathing a newborn baby for the first time can be a nerve wracking experience, as it always is for babies and young children of all ages. With so many things to remember, and with so many questions that it poses – ‘how hot should a baby bath be?’ ‘How do I wash my baby?’, It can be overwhelming and lead to mistakes if you forget to slow down, think about what you’re doing and relax. We reached out to some mums on twitter this week who have helped us compile some of the top 10 tips for bathing your baby. This isn’t an exhaustive list but contains some of the most important ones that will help make your baby, and your life much easier!

#1. The baby bath

Most parents aren’t actually aware that a BabyDam can be used from the outset with a newborn baby, with no need to use a traditional baby bath. BabyDam can be positioned anywhere in the bath according to your babies size. However, when bathing a baby safety is the most important factor and not necessarily the bath tub that you choose to use. But a BabyDam will grow with your baby meaning you don’t have to spend money on extra baths as your baby grows, and long gone will be the days of having to bend down to fill the bath up and empty it afterwards. With a BabyDam in one place you can then have the towel and other essential items next to it in the bath within easy reach, meaning less bending over and an all round quicker bathing time for baby!

#2.  Temperature

Once decided on the baby bath, this leads on to the whole process of bathing your baby which poses the question for what the right temperature should be. Always put cold water in first and add warm water afterwards, the temperature should always be tested with your elbow first to ensure that it is the right temperature. There isn’t a specific guideline for the correct temperature, it shouldn’t be too hot but it should be a comfortable temperature for the baby to bath in.

#3. Capacity of the bath

Arguably, this is amongst the three top key tips for bathing your baby safely. Again, there isn’t a correct answer here but it is recommended that the amount of water in the bath should be between 2 – 3 inches deep. This way the baby keeps warm but you can still pour water gently over its body.

#4. HOLD ON!

Whatever age your baby is and whatever depth the bath, keep hold of your baby! This tip goes without saying, but it’s something that you can never become complacent or get distracted with. As well as holding your baby securely, ensure that their head and ears are above the water.

#5. Have everything to hand

Before you start bathing your baby, make sure all the essentials and towels are within reach so you don’t have to leave the bathroom or get distracted trying to hunt something down. With everything in one place, baby will get bathed faster and keep warm throughout.

#6. Washing baby

Holding your baby securely in one hand, use your free hand to wash baby. Most parents usually start to wash babies face first and then onto dirtier areas of the body. Ensuring that you clean all of the creases in the body and hard to reach areas. This can be done by using a soft sponge or wash mitt.

#7. Soap

It’s actually completely fine to wash a newborn with just plain water, however if necessary use a mild, perfume free soap but avoid bubble baths or anything scented. As babies get older, you can be more experimental with specific baby and child ranges of soap and bubbles that are on the market.

#8. Warm hoody towel

Babies can get a bit shivery after a bath and there isn’t anything nicer than wrapping them up in a warm and cosy towel which makes baby feel safe and secure.

#9. Essential supplies

For when babies bath is over you want all of the essentials to hand so you can quickly get them dried, moisturised, nappy on etc to stop them from getting cold. Think about everything you will need beforehand and store it all in a handy box that is within reach of the bath.

#10. Baby Massage

After a bath, babies are at their most relaxed state and this is the best time to give your baby a little massage. Use a comfy and soft change mat like our BabyDam ChangeMat for a really snuggly massage , just before bed time this will help your baby sleep well and easily. However, avoid using any oils and lotions until baby is 1 month or older, and when you do use mild and non-scented solutions.

Once you’ve got the right equipment and the know how you’ll be able to bath your baby with ease, without any worries or anxieties. Knowing how to bath baby becomes a much more relaxing experience for the both of you! Do you have any other tips for bathing a baby? Do comment below or let us know on our Facebook page and Twitter!