Baby Bath Time Fun and Safety Tips

by admin

Jul 30, 2023

Blog

Make Baby Bath time Fun and Safe for Your Little One

Bath time with a baby is such a precious time where you get to bond with your little one. Those moments where you gaze into your baby’s eyes and chat with them while you wash their tiny body and they splash about can make bathing them one of the best parts of the day.

But it also comes with challenges. How do you keep bath time fun while also keeping your slippery little one safe? How do you make sure the water is the right temperature? What toys or other items make bath time more enjoyable for your baby?

This article covers tips and things to think about when bathing your baby to make sure bath time is a special playtime you both look forward to each day.

Check the Water Temperature Before running any bath water, always check the temperature. Babies have sensitive skin that can burn easily if the water is too hot. A good rule of thumb is 100-120F max. Always stir the water and recheck the temp before putting your baby in the tub. Test the water with your wrist or elbow, not your hands as your hands may be calloused.

Keep a Thermometer Handy Use a bath thermometer to accurately gauge water temperature instead of just guessing with your hand. Place it in the water while the tub is filling so you know for sure the temp is in the safe zone for baby’s delicate skin.

Have Essentials Close By Before starting bath time, gather everything you’ll need within arm’s reach: baby washcloths, shampoo and soap, towels, fresh diaper, clean clothes, and any bath toys. This way you won’t have to step away from the tub while your soapy, squirmy baby is in there.

Use a Non-Slip Mat or Bath Seat It’s scary how fast a wiggly baby can slip under water. Use a non-slip mat on the bottom of the tub or seat your baby in a bath seat or tub liner that suctions to the bottom. This will keep your little one secure. Watch them constantly and keep a hand on them too.

Make It Play Time Bath time is a chance to play! Bring waterproof bath toys like cups, boats, stacking rings, and squirt toys into the tub. Show your baby how to pour water and let them shake, rattle, and splash the toys. This helps develop their motor skills. Chat and sing songs to turn bathtime into bonding time.

Wash Your Baby Gently Use a soft baby washcloth and mild, tear-free baby soap and shampoo. Gently wash your baby’s hair and body. Avoid getting soap in their eyes by wiping face and hair with a wet cloth. Baby’s skin is delicate so handle washing with care.

Rinse Completely After soaping up your little one, use a clean wet washcloth to gently wipe away all traces of shampoo and soap. Make sure to get in all the creases like behind the ears, under the chin, and in neck rolls where suds can get trapped.

Work Quickly Newborns and infants get cold easily when wet. Limit bath time to 5-10 minutes max for a newborn. As your baby gets older you can extend play time in the tub to 15-20 minutes if they’re enjoying themselves. But be mindful of their body temperature.

Dry Immediately and Keep Warm As soon as bath time is over, lift or support your baby out of the tub and immediately wrap them in a warm, dry, soft towel or baby bathrobe. Gently pat their body dry. Then move them to a warm area and continue towel drying. Dress them right away in warm pajamas to keep away chills.

Make It Routine A consistent bath time each night makes it part of your baby’s routine. This prepares them for bedtime and signals winding down. Plus a set bath time makes it easier for you to plan your evening. Aim for a time when your baby is alert and playful.

Watch Closely Never leave your baby alone in the tub, not even for a second. Keep your eyes on them at all times. IF you must look away or grab something, take them out of the water first. Babies can slip underwater and drown quickly and silently.

Follow Safety Steps Bath time comes with risks like drowning, slips/falls, and burns. But you can prevent accidents by following basic safety measures – test water temp, use bathmats/seats, stay within arm’s reach, empty tub before lifting out baby.

Make Bathtime Special Adding a few simple touches turns bath time into a fun time routine you and baby look forward to. Sing songs, tell stories, smile, make eye contact, play with toys. These little things make your baby feel loved while also stimulating their development.

Splash and play today! Follow these tips to keep your little one safe while creating special moments together at bathtime. With the right water temperature, toys, towels, and your full supervision, baths will become a bonding ritual both you and baby enjoy.