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Bathing a newborn can be stressful, with a wriggly, slippery and possibly bawling baby to keep safe, comfortable and warm, whilst also getting them washed, dried and dressed. And all with just the one pair of hands!
Here are our tips to make things easier, along with some of our best baby bath-time buys.
1. If you or your little one find bath time difficult, you needn't do it every day. A daily 'top and tail' (cleaning their face and nappy area) plus a bath once or twice weekly should suffice and will actually be less drying for newborn skin.
2. Once your baby is a bit older, they will probably settle into enjoying baths more and you can integrate one into their evening routine, helping them wind down before bed.
3. Many babies particularly dislike having their hair washed. It only needs doing once a week unless they've ended up with something unpleasant stuck into it!
4. Get everything ready and close to hand before you put your baby in the water. It's never okay to leave a baby alone in the bath (even in a bath support), so running to another room to grab that forgotten towel is not an option.
5. If your baby's upper body is exposed out of the water, pouring cupfuls of warm water or laying a soaked flannel on these areas will help keep him or her from getting cold.
6. The ideal temperature for baby bathwater is around 36 or 37 degrees centigrade. A bath thermometer isn't really necessary but many first time parents feel more confident using one instead of the old elbow in the water trick. They're relatively cheap anyway.
7. Steer clear of shelling out for a bath stand or special changing unit with an integral bath – yes the bath will be at a more convenient height for you to clean your baby but they're usually a pain to fill with water and empty, and half of it will likely spill over the sides.
8. If the familiar smell of Johnson's baby products takes you back to your own childhood, introduce them to your baby's bath time routine for a calm and relaxing experience for you and your water baby. Johnson's Baby Bedtime Bath, £2.49 for 300ml, will do just the job. Find it in most supermarkets.
Best baby bathing buys
- Tigex bath support<p> Bath supports help solve the 'not having enough hands' problem – without one you have to hold your baby in the water which can make actually washing them, grabbing any shampoo or the towel, something of a juggling act.<br /> <br /> There are assorted types on the market, including quite pricey throne like numbers – don't spend a fortune on one of these as any support will probably only be in use until your baby can sit up unaided (usually at around six or seven months).<br /> <br /> This one is a practical choice because it's made of plastic which won't go mildewy the way some of the fabric covered and foam versions do, plus it's compact yet comfortable for your baby.</p> <p> Tigex bath support, £12.99 from <a href="http://www.cheekyrascals.co.uk/" target="_blank">cheekyrascals.co.uk. </a></p>
- Cuddledry<p> A bit pricey for a baby towel at first sight, but they're the softest snuggliest ones around and tremendously practical too, thanks to the way they fasten around your neck, apron-style. This means you can scoop your baby out of the bath and wrap them straight into it, without having to somehow hold the towel under your chin, and without getting your clothes soaked, thanks to the double-thick towelling.<br /> <br /> They are much bigger than most hooded baby towels too so they aren't outgrown as quickly.<br /> If you're having a baby soon and someone asks you for present ideas, you'd do well to suggest one of these!<br /> <br /> Alternatively: if you really don't want to buy a special baby towel, it's fine to go with a soft normal one, but do keep it solely for their use.</p> <p> <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2011/04/06/win-a-cuddledry-apron-baby-towel/" target="_blank">Win a Cuddledry with Parendish!</a></p> <p> Cuddledry towel from £24.99 from <a href="http://www.cuddledry.com/">cuddledry.com </a></p>
- Lattsam baby bath<p> Yep as your granny might have told you, you can bathe your baby in the kitchen sink, but this only works if it's not full of dirty dishes and frankly, life with a newborn doesn't leave much time for washing up.<br /> <br /> This bargain baby bath won't make much of a dent in your budget anyway, is probably more hygienic than the kitchen sink and is quicker to fill than the main bath. Use it with the bath support below or alone, and either within the normal bath or on the floor.</p> <p> Ikea Lattsam baby bath, £5.49 from <a href="http://www.ikea.com/" target="_blank">ikea.co.uk. </a></p> <p> </p>
- Sophie La Giraffe<p> Tiny babies don't need bath toys but later on, this delightful giraffe is a perfect plaything – or a handy distraction during hairwashing if there's someone else around to wave it in front of their face. It squeaks and squirts water and is nice and easy for tiny hands to grasp onto.</p> <p> Sophie La Giraffe, £6.99 from <strong><a href="http://www.sophielagirafe.co.uk" target="_blank">sophielagirafe.co.uk</a></strong>.</p>
- Johnson's Baby Bedtime Bath<p> Pour a drop of Johnson’s Baby Bedtime Bath into your baby’s tub for a relaxing wash. The No More Tears formula means bath time will be a breeze no matter how many splashes your little one makes.</p> <div> </div> <div> Find out more about the range, which also includes Baby Bedtime Lotion, Baby Bedtime Wash, Baby Bedtime Lotion, Baby Bedtime Oil and Baby Bedtime Cream online at <a href="http://www.johnsonsbaby.co.uk/" target="_blank">Johnsonsbaby.co.uk.</a></div> <div> </div>
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