Bathing your baby is one of the most exciting and fun experiences. You get personal bonding time and will have a more intimate interaction that covers all the missed moments due to everyday work life. But, there are certain measures and precautions that you have to take. What are they? Keep reading our article to know more about bath safety tips for a baby.
Keeping the bathing area clean and all your baby essentials handy during bath time are important bath safety tips for a baby.
Have a Safe And Clean Bathing Area
Always ensure that your bathing area is clean and that there are no obstructions while bathing the baby. It might seem like an obvious tip, but it is an extremely important one to remember. You don’t want to trip over something that could cause harm to you or your baby. For sponge baths, select a nice firm surface that will be comfortable for your baby. The shower area works if you choose to use the tub, or shower spray.
Also, the temperature of the bathing area matters. You want to make sure that the area is nice and warm, not cool. Babies lose body heat quickly, so if they get cold, they’ll get cranky and not enjoy their bath. Before undressing your baby in the other room, ensure that you switch off any ACs or fans.
For better safety, buy a non-skid mat and place it at the entrance of the bath area. You don’t want to slip while carrying your little one. If your baby is a bit older, you could place a couple of tap guards to prevent them from turning on hot water taps.
Keep Whatever You Need Ready
Before you start bathing your baby, keep all the essentials ready and have them within your reach. This ensures that there are no interruptions and you can fully concentrate on giving the child a bath.
Essentials such as washcloths, cotton balls, diapers, and a fresh set of clothes should be kept systematically so that there isn’t any scrambling around for things after the shower. Hooded towels are useful when you want to wrap your baby from head to toe.
Make Sure The Water Is Not Too Hot Or Deep
Now you want to ensure that the water is at the right temperature and not too deep too. Babies can drown easily even in very less water. So, keep this in mind while you’re filling the bathing tub. The best is to purchase a baby bathtub because bathing a newborn in a regular tub is slightly risky.
Once you’re finished with the bath, make sure that you empty the bathtub or any filled buckets before you leave. This will save the child from being inquisitive and stepping into any of them. While the water is draining, always keep your crosshairs on your child and never leave them on their own.
You need to be extra careful with hot water. Babies burn easily since their skin is very delicate. And that’s why you want to bathe your newborn in lukewarm water, ranging between 36°C to 38°C. A child can get scalded (burned by liquid) by touching the water at 60°C. So, you have to be very cautious when bathing your baby in hot water. Use a thermometer to check the temperature before you put your baby in the tub.
Make Sure Your Baby Is Within Your Sight
While your baby is in the bathtub, never make the mistake of leaving the bath area unattended. Even if you have your elder child watching over your newborn, it’s still advisable to be there at all times. Keep one hand on your child when your child is in the water. It can take seconds for your baby to slip and fall underwater without a sound. You don’t want this happening.
If anyone rings the door, or if you get a phone call, swaddle your child in a towel and carry him/her along with you. Don’t risk leaving your child all alone.
Use Quality Baby Products For Your Baby
As stated before, baby skin is very delicate and vulnerable and that’s why you need to take as much precaution as possible. The same applies to baby products. Use baby massage oils and skincare products that aren’t harsh on the child’s skin.
When you’re buying shampoos and soaps, look for ones that are specifically made for babies. To test if a particular product works on your child, apply a bit on a small portion of the child’s skin. If you see reddening or irritation then change the product.
Choose An Apt Time To Bathe Your Baby
You need to set a time where you know there won’t be any interruptions when you bathe your child. Choose a time that is convenient and practical for you. Don’t bathe your child after a feed, or when they are tired or hungry.
When you’ve set a time, include that in your baby’s routine. You can even get other family members on board if they’re available to share some of the fun and joys of bathing a child.
Following the bath safety tips for a baby can help make bathing time fun for both the child and parent.
Conclusion
Bathing a child is a fun-filled experience since you can take part in all the giggles and gaggles with your child. Of course, you have to keep certain things in mind that have been covered in our article on bath safety tips for a baby. So, keep those few pointers in mind and enjoy the pleasures of being a parent!
If you need help with scheduling pediatrician appointments or keeping track of your child’s vaccination dates, then you can download the ImmunifyMe app. The app also offers a growth tracker that’ll help you in keeping track of your child’s important milestones.
FAQs On Bath Safety Tips For A Baby
What Are Some Bath Safety Tips For A Baby?
These are some pointers for you to keep in mind before you bathe your baby:
- Have a safe and clean bathing area
- Keep whatever you need ready
- Make sure the water is not too hot or deep
- Use quality baby products for your baby
- Choose an apt time to bathe your baby
How Often Should You Bathe A Baby?
There’s no hard or fast rule about the frequency of bathing your baby. Bathing your child for not more than 3 days per week is perfectly fine until your baby becomes more mobile. Even if you want to bathe your child more often, you can do so in consultation with your pediatrician.
What Kind Of Soap Would You Recommend Using To Bathe An Infant?
Baby wash or soap that is very mild on the skin is recommended – anything that doesn’t lather up. Shop for skincare products specially designed for babies. They’re mild, and easy on the skin but still, it’s better to test the product on a small portion of your child’s skin to detect any reactions.
