Bathing your newborn, or even your toddler, is an exercise in patience, ingenuity, and safety. While nurses take care of that terrifying first bath for you right after delivery, it's all on you once you get home, mama. But you've got this! The trick is to do it slow—no one's in a rush. Take note of these tips to help you get even more comfortable with bath time. You'll get the hang of it in no time!
Stay with your baby throughout the whole bath. Even if there is just an inch of water in the tub; even if your baby is strapped securely to the tub; even if you’re just stepping out for one minute. Babies, even toddlers, must be constantly supervised during bath time. So keep everything you’ll be needing for the bath within reach.
Adjust the bath water temperature before putting baby in the tub. Warm water for you may be scalding for newborns who have extra-sensitive skin. So before slipping your baby in the tub, or pouring water on your babe, make sure you test the temperature with your inner wrist, as the skin here is more sensitive.
Use the right tools. Sure, there’s the default balde at tabo in the Pinoy home. But the market today has loads of options that are safer and more comfortable to use than our Pinoy bathroom mainstays. This bath seat from Murmur, for example, follows the curve of your baby’s body, is non-slip, eases strain on your arm and wrist, and can be put anywhere for baby’s bath.
Mind the bath products that you use. Because baby’s skin is especially sensitive, the products you use on them must be the gentlest on the market. Ideally, find products that use natural ingredients, have a tear-free formula, and moisturize baby’s skin. Mustela’s cleansing gel is one of those baby-safe bathing products you’d want, mama.
Slip-proof the entire bathroom. You may be using a slip-proof tub; but what about the floor leading to the tub, mama? You have to mind your steps, as well. As much as possible, keep the bathroom floor dry. If that’s difficult, install some anti-slip rubber mats all over.
Vet all bath toys. Small toys may be choking hazards. Wet and slippery small toys are guaranteed choking hazards. If you need to, let your babe play with just one or two bath toys that are big enough. Also, make sure these toys are clean before handing them to your little one.
Bathing your baby may take some time to master. But with help from your “village” and the right products, you can ace it all the way sooner rather than later, mama!
