Bathing is an essential part of caring for a baby, as it not only helps to keep your little one's skin clean and healthy but is also a great way to strengthen the bond between you. Some babies take some time to get used to the sensation of being in the water, but it won't be long before they warm up to it and start looking forward to a bath time. This post details the bathing essentials you will need.
1. A baby Bathtub
Your baby will need his/her own tub. Look for a tub that is a slight angle – you don’t want a tub that is completely flat or too upright. Ideally, a baby tub should have a non-slip surface and safety posts under where your baby’s legs and arms should go to keep them from constantly slipping under the water.
2. Cotton Wool/ Soft Sponge Or Soft Flannels
When your bundle of joy is still in the early newborn stage, you might want to consider using the top and tail technique to clean him/her. This is where you wash your baby’s face, neck, hands, and bottom. Topping and tailing is done a few times a week as a baby’s skin is very sensitive during those first few weeks. Soft flannels, a soft sponge, or even cotton wool are ideal for topping and tailing.
3. Baby Shampoo And Soap
A gentle, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free baby soap and shampoo is all you need to clean your baby’s skin. Steer clear of products loaded with all sorts of extra ingredients and chemicals, and choose to go for sulfate-free products made with all-natural products.
4. Rinsing Cup
As you might have discovered, babies absolutely hate it when water gets in their face, especially in their eyes. Use a little rinse cup with a handle to make bath time a bit easier. You have a variety of options, including a rinse spout that controls water flow to ensure a steady stream, and one with a soft, contoured rim that forms a watertight bond against your baby’s forehead to keep water and shampoo out of their eyes.
5. Soft Hooded Baby Towels
Once you finish bathing your baby, you want to dry them as soon as possible to keep their body temperature from dropping. A soft, snuggly hooded towel will have your little one feeling extra warm and snug after a bath.
6. Bath Toys
If your baby is reluctant to take baths, adding a bunch of bath toys to bath time will make the experience a bit more bearable. Bright colors and fun shapes will keep them engaged as you scrub them down.
7. Bath Toy Organizer
Invest in a bath toy organizer to keep your bathroom neat. An organizer will also make it easier to clean bath toys after use.
8. Faucet Cover
As your baby gets older and starts to become more mobile, you’ll want to keep your hard metal faucets covered with faucet covers to prevent accidents.
Final Thoughts
Bath time can be nerve-wracking for first-time parents – in addition to ensuring that you properly clean your baby, you also have to keep them safe. However, with the right items by your side, bath time can be a fun bonding routine with your child.
