That first bath is always extra special but at only 3 lbs at birth, Keira’s first bath was given as a bed bath by a nurse. The first bath I gave her was in a tiny tub in the level 3 NICU and I was carefully watched over and guided by a nurse. Fast forward nearly two years and I once again missed Ava‘s first bath because of one leg I couldn’t stand on after her birth. Instead my sister went and gave her that bath and documented it with fabulous pictures.
Of course the first bath in the hospital is a whole different ball game from the first bath at home. No matter how big or small, learning to bathe your new baby can be a little scary even for experienced parents – there’s a lot to juggle and of course you want to keep your little one safe. But as long you’re properly prepared, bath time can be a great bonding experience and a whole lot of fun! Disney Baby has some great tips on how to protect and pamper your little one in the tub, and some adorable products to help you to do it! From towels and toys to cleansers and creams, Disney Baby has you covered.
Tip #1: Start small
Your baby is little, so his bathtub should be too! When you start bathing a baby, it’s easier to do it in the sink, or using a small plastic tub. That way, you won’t have to kneel or lean awkwardly over the side of a big bath while keeping your baby upright. Some baby tubs feature built-in toys, ensuring that bath time is fun for everyone!
Tip #2: Get some tub toys
For older babies, the bath can be a great place to learn and explore. Once your little one has graduated to a big tub, introduce them to some squirt toys, fun floaties or sponges. Toys can keep your baby distracted and happy, helping make bath time a breeze.
Tip #3: Ditch the daily dips
Babies don’t need to bathe everyday – in fact, daily baths can dry out or damage your little one’s skin. It only takes two or three baths a week to ensure that baby stays squeaky-clean, as long as you stay vigilant about keeping face, hands and diaper area clean between washes.
Tip #4: Lock in that moisture
If your baby does have dry skin, rub on a little moisturizing lotion, cream or oil post bath. There are plenty of products out there that both you and your baby can use!
Tip #5: Keep baby warm
Wet babies can become easily chilled, so throughout bath time it’s important to keep your little one warm. Ensure that bath water is around 37 degrees and that the air in the bathroom is comfortably warm as well. After the bath, wrap baby up in a soft, clean towel and give him a little snuggle! A hooded towel keeps baby feeling cozy and looking cute.
What are your favourite tips for bathing a baby?
Elizabeth
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Taking them in the bath slowly in your arms to give them security and comfort.
Talk to them as you bath them, remain calm & take it slow.
Slowly dip them in
Put them in the water slowly and speak to them to soothe them throughout.
calming and softly talk to them,And take it slow every washing lower them a bit lower in the water.Be patient
Lower them into the water slowly, and speak softly/calmy to them as doing so.
sing to them or talk in a gentle voice as you bath them and definitely don’t let that deter you from bathing them as often as you like. Sometimes it just takes them time to get used to the bath/water
I lower baby slowly into the water and maintain as much physical contact as possible. Speak soothingly to baby.
Talk to them, slowly put in water. don’t force them to like it. gently persuade them
Introduce the water gradually and slowly.
have everything ready and do it quick but be calm
I don’t have any tips, I’m afraid, as my daughter is a little water baby!
I would introduce them slowly giving the sponge baths
Be calm a little soft music & nice warm water
Slowly introduce them to the water, starting off with sponge baths and gradually adding more water to the tub. Talk to them while you are doing the bath.
Introduce them to it slowly and talk to them while doing it, try to keep them calm!
Ear Plugs..lol…put them into the water slowly and keep calm yourself, babies can sense when your stressing also
dont use alot of water just a wet cloth to spot wash and do it quick
Both of my kids love bathtime, so I don’t really have too much advice.. I’d say try to distract them as much as possible with toys.
Make sure the environment is warm..and get it done quickly.
Slowly ease them into it
keep water low and use a wash cloth.
sing songs and put them in the water slowly
Slow and steady
go slowly and have everything ready before you start
Slow and easy, soothing voice and lots of smiles.
We are having our first baby January 30th so I don’t have any tips yet.
Make the bath super quick for babies who don’t like water.
Ease them into it. Don’t rush
sing and make it as fun as possible. Make sure they are not tired or hungry or fussy first!
Make sure the water is an appropriate temperature (thermometers are a help as we often tend to like water hotter than babies). If baby really seems distressed, try giving a bath outside of the tub, keeping the baby mostly wrapped an unwrapping only the parts you are cleaning.
Just use small amount of water and use a cloth to wash this with. Be gentle.
sponge bath!
hold the baby with one arm while slowly getting them used to the water, talk softly and get the job done quickly until they get more comfortable in the water
Lots and lots of bubbles to distract them!
Slowly add them to the water humming to them.
Cuddle and smile a lot and play some music while gently pouring warm water
do it in bits, wash their hair while ther are out of the body and then wash their body
Play soothing music while they are in the tub
who doesn’t love disney
Take it slow…and always comfort them as you bathe.
Do it gradually. Start with a sponge bath and make sure the water is just the right temperature!
I found that putting a warm washcloth over the baby’s middle was almost like her being “clothed” so she didn’t hate it so much. I also got it over with as quickly as possible. Luckily, she only hated it for a brief time.
My hint would be to use a sleeping bag and only partially unclothe the baby. That way they feel safe.
vmkids3 at msn dot com
I smiled and made them giggle with tickles to distract them…. next thing they knew , they were in the nice warm water.
If they hate water make sure the water is warm and go in and out quick. Then soothe them afterwards,
Been way too many years since I’ve done that.
My tip is to distract them with toys, bubbles, singing etc – whatever engages them and takes their mind off the bath itself.
Toys, music, and smelly things sometimes help 🙂
Soothing music and toys to distract
Start with just a little bit of water and add a little more every day
Have everything ready so it can be over as soon as possible!
Uncover one body part at a time, wash that with a sponge and then move on to the next part! 🙂
TOYS AND MUSIC
I have no suggestions as both of my preemies are fish and love water!
let them splash with their hand first,,, then slowly add a little more and more with then safely on you in the bath,,, comfort in mothers arms
If they’re showing a real dislike that day, a sponge bath wouldn’t hurt…
I have never had a baby that was scared of the bath.
Have everything ready and play some music during bathtime. Don’t make it take too long and be sure to talk in a soft voice with your baby.
keep water low, warm and use a wash cloth
Use a laundry basket for baby to sit in the tub in and make it very shallow
talking to them distracts them, singing whatever suits
bathe them with a damp cloth instead of putting threm in the water.
Use a receiving blanket to wrap the baby and use less water.
Sing to the baby.
I would ease them in gently to it.
make sure you have all neccesary items before you start the process
I use a warm cloth under baby and slowly lower Baby into the water with the cloth under. I then put the warm water slowly over baby with my hand gently touching baby all the time while bathing.
Nice and easy does it 🙂
Try taking them in the bath with you, orif that is not an option use a small amount of water in the baby tub
You may have to get into the bath with them and hold them tight:)
Try a different water temperature. My son hated baths when he was a baby, but it turns out he didnt like warm water, he liked it rather cool, so once I had a slightly cooler bath water, he was fine!
dip them into the water slowly
do it slowly
Just use a small amount of warm water and gently talk to them.
it really depends on the age, at 3, if my DD hated water, I’d make it fun! put a bin of water in the bath and let her sit naked (and dry) and shplash in the water (like a water table) I’d wash her that way — sneak in some scrubbing while shes busy playing
Make it quick!
Just do a sponge bath until they get use to bathing.
I sing/him to try and soothe her.
Being very calm and soothe as you bathe.
With my niece I used a small pool at first and made it a happy thing, after a few times it was okay!
Putting some attractive toys in the water
Keep the water shallow and music always helps to keep things fun
Get them to have fun splashing
never had that problem.
Engage them with fun bath toys and songs!
get their arms and legs wet first
I usually sing a song about bathtime to distract and calm my baby. I wash arms and legs first, body next and lastly, the head so my baby doesn’t get too cold.
gentle, hapy faces and sing a song
I don’t have a good tip, I have never seen a baby who hated water.
sing sweet little songs and use nice warm water
Get in the bath or shower with them and hold them close while they get clean. Rub their back and speak in soothing tones.
I think soothing music and a gradual introduction to the water is good.
Keep them as warm as possible.
Talk to them the whole time you are bathing them.
keep the water “baby temperature.”
We kept a hoodie towel on our little one’s head when bathing him. After we washed his hair we put it back on. It seemed to help. I think he just didn’t like the chill in the air.
Definitely keep the water pressure low and keep it off of them as often as possible.
I usually distract him with toys and sounds.
be gentle and calm and patient.
I really don’t have any new tips on babies who don’t like bath water. I guess I was lucky – it was hard to get mine out of the bath. Just be gentle and make it fun time with music or toys. thank you
Slow and easy when u put them in the warm water and give them time to adjust before you start the clean up 🙂
Make sure the water is pleasantly warm but not hot and use a very soft wash cloth.
Make sure the water is luke warm and sing softly to them.
I talked softly to my babies all during their bath. After a while, the little one would babble back to me and laugh. It is a wonderful time to completely relax and bond. I loved all your tips.