Bathtime is excellent for mommy-baby bonding but also can pose a challenge for parents and caregivers, especially for first-time parents. Creating the right bathing routine for babies is the first time to making this experience a happy and pleasurable one for your munchkin. We share top tips to make bathtime fun and easy for babies.
From creating the right environment to choosing the right baby products and bathtime toys, here is everything you can do to create a positive bathing experience for your baby. Let your baby stay calm and relaxed and enjoy their bathing ritual with these simple tips and techniques.
10 Tips To Make Bathtime Fun And Easy For Babies
Bath times with your baby can be some of the most cherished memories you will have of your baby as a parent. While some babies love splashing around in a bathtub, for others, it might not be an appealing experience. Bathing is a whole new experience for your baby, and it is completely normal if your baby requires some time to get used to it. We have some tips to create a fun bath for your baby!
1. Create a Comfortable Environment
Babies hating to take a bath is quite common. For most little ones, bathing can seem tiresome and unnecessary.
Parents must create a comfortable bathing environment. Keep the first few baths brief if your baby is unhappy while bathing. Once your little one relaxes, you can stretch the bath time and frequency.
Another vital point to remember is to check the water temperature before bathing your little one. Too hot can be painful, too cold, and they’ll get chilly (1).
2. Use Age-Appropriate Bath Toys
Bringing toys into your baby’s bath is the most common trick. Babies love splashing around and playing during baths. It also helps them stay distracted if they fear water.
If your baby is afraid of a bath, tips to overcome bathtime fear such as introducing bath gradually, using the right water temperature, and making bathing a playful activity rather than a chore can help.
Choose toys according to the age of your little one. One easy trick is to bring in toys they don’t play with anymore or those that do not get ruined by water. Boats, balls, animals, dolls, and cups are some options you can look into.
Bath books are also excellent bathtime companions for babies.
3. Establish a Routine
A routine is the key to getting your baby to adapt to the bath. So, make your little one’s bathtime a part of their daily routine.
Babies usually don’t sweat like adults. Therefore, it’s okay if you do not bathe them daily. You can choose a few specific days (say Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) (2).
The routine might help your baby embrace the bath schedule, and they will know when to expect it.
4. Sing Songs and Play Games
Explore the healing power of the sound. Playing or singing your little one’s favorite tunes can help them relax during the bath.
Bathing should not feel like a tedious chore. Babies tend to get bored very quickly. Hence, including some fun activities and games will motivate your baby to take a bath.
Dressing up a doll, making bubbles out of soapy water, and even adding plastic building blocks can make bath time enjoyable (3).
5. Use Gentle and Fun Washing Techniques
Bathing should not feel forced or tiring for your baby. Appropriate washing techniques make all the difference.
You can go for sponge baths using a damp washcloth. Use a baby-friendly soap if you are using soaps. While washing your baby’s hair, cup your hand over their forehead to avoid soap and water getting into their eyes (4).
6. Use Scent-free and Tear-Free Products
Always opt for mild and chemical-free products that do not irritate your little one’s skin. Scented soaps can have many additives that can be harsh on your baby’s skin (5).
It is not necessary to use soap during every bath. Simply using a washcloth and water is enough. Moreover, overdoing soap and products can dry out your baby’s skin and lead to skin reactions (6).
7. Involve Your Baby
Giving your baby some control over bath time can help them get more involved and make the bathing process more enjoyable. Let your baby make decisions and do things on their own.
Let them squeeze the shampoo bottle or use the washcloth on their own. It will boost their confidence and encourage self-care attitudes.
[Read Also : How To Keep Your Bathroom Safe For Your Child]
8. Ensure Safety First
Babies need constant supervision when they are around water. Therefore, it’s crucial to take some precautions.
Choose a safe temperature for your little one’s bath. Remember, water should not be too hot or cold. It’s safe to keep the water temperature around 100 degrees Fahrenheit (or between 37 and 38 degrees Centigrade) (7).
Also, never leave your baby alone in the tub or around water. Always use toys and bathing products with no sharp edges.
9. Make it a Bonding Experience!
Bathing your baby is immensely personal and special. Before they grow up, enjoy these few precious years.
Make your baby’s bathtime a bonding experience (8). Use a soothing voice while communicating with your baby because your baby can sense your emotions and react accordingly.
Physical contact is crucial for attachment and trust. While bathing, use your fingertips to gently massage your baby’s arms, legs, and back.
10. Post-Bath Cuddles and Comfort
Let your baby associate bath with happy moments. After the bath, scoop your baby up in a towel and keep them as snuggly and warm as possible.
Give your munchkin a nice massage with baby lotion after the bath, and spend some time cuddling, which will help your baby relax and sleep better and also help you deal with your postpartum depression (9).
As parents, it’s crucial to understand that your baby must adjust to the changing environments. Therefore, be patient with your little one. Engage and talk with your baby as much as possible. Stay calm and persistent. Distractions and fun activities during bath time can make the bathing process enjoyable.
FAQ’s
1. How to Entertain Babies in The Bath?
There are several techniques that you can use to entertain your little one. You can use toys, bath bombs (if your baby is older than two years), music, and learning tools. You can make bubbles with soapy water and also paint during the bath. Let your baby paint in the body during the bath, and guess what? It is easier to wash everything off during the bath.
2. Why Does my Baby Hate Bath Time?
It is challenging to understand exactly why your baby hates bathtime. There could be a lot of reasons behind it. Your baby feels nervous or fearful around water. It could also be because of a bad experience your baby might have had with water at some point earlier. Another thing to consider is the water temperature. The baby might not feel comfortable with the changing temperature. So, keep the water neither too hot nor too cold. Some babies might not like to bathe because of the sensory experience. They might not enjoy getting wet.
References
- Safe bath temperature, Raising Children Network – https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/safety/bath-water-safety/bath-temperature
- How to bathe your newborn, American Academy of Dermatology Association – https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/newborn-bathing
- Baby bath time: steps to bathing a baby, Raising Children Network – https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/health-daily-care/hygiene-keeping-clean/baby-bath-time
- How to bathe a newborn: tips from dermatologists – American Academy of Dermatology Association – https://www.aad.org/news/how-to-bathe-a-newborn
- Rashmi Sarkar, Srikanta Basu, RK Agarwal, Piyush Gupta, Skin Care for the Newborn, Review Article, Indian Pediatrics – https://www.indianpediatrics.net/july2010/593.pdf
- Bathing Your Baby, HealthyChildren.org – https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Bathing-Your-Newborn.aspx
- Kids Health Information : Safety: Bath time, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne – https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Safety_Bath_time/
- Bath time: More than good clean fun, British Journal Of Midwifery –https://www.britishjournalofmidwifery.com/content/clinical-practice/bath-time-more-than-good-clean-fun/
- Postpartum depression: Tips for coping with it, Medical News Today – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320005
Read Also : How to Care For a Baby After Bath?]
