Getting ready to bathe your baby? Bathing your baby can be one of those mother and baby bonding times. You must ensure to make your baby love every moment of their bath (if you can manage it). So to ensure you make the best of that time while getting your baby as squeaky clean as possible, you mustn’t forget the essentials, and neither should you forget the things that make a baby bath fun and enjoyable for your little angel. Here are the 10 things you should have for your baby’s bath that will make for the perfect bathing time.
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Baby Bathtub
There are different kinds of tubs with different designs. You may decide to get more than one tub to switch between baths so your baby has a variety of bathtubs to explore. Some come with designs. Get your baby an appropriate tub – one that is safe. You may also a tub mat at the bottom of the tub to prevent the baby from slipping too much during bath time. Tub mats are usually a little rough to cause friction that will keep the baby steady. But make sure it isn’t too rough against baby’s skin and that it is safe.
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Bath Thermometer
You should have a thermometer to check the temperature of the water you will be using for your baby’s bath. Some say this isn’t necessary, and that you can use your hands to check. The only problem is that your skin and the baby’s skin are very different, and perception can be misleading. What you perceive as warm might end up being too hot for your young one. For this reason, and to ensure accuracy, you should get a thermometer to check the temperature of the water. You can also double-check with your hands to get a feel of the water before putting your baby in.
Bathtub Spout Cover
If you are using direct tap water, then you should get a spout cover. It doesn’t seem so necessary until your baby gets one bump against the water spout. This is a must, there’s no negotiating on this one. It is for your baby’s safety. Babies are fragile and you must make sure to keep things safe around them. To make things fun, you can get one that has a design on it, but ensure to avoid any pointy designs, even if the pointy parts are at the bottom of the spout cover. Rubber ones are usually preferable to plastic ones.
Baby Soap
You should be selective with the soap you get for your baby. Some children have allergies from a very young age. For some, their skin reacts badly to certain chemicals. Make sure to find out if your baby has any allergies, and avoid getting any soaps that could trigger their allergies (if they have any). You can get something nicely scented, but many parents prefer an unscented baby wash. Once you have your baby’s soap and it works well for you, then try to stick with that product. Instead of constantly changing from one product to another which could have a bad effect on your angel’s skin.
Baby Shampoo
Just like when getting your baby’s soap, ensure the shampoo product for washing their hair is safe for use. Remember, it’s not about whether the product is generally good, it is about your baby’s reactions (in case they have any allergies). Also, once you get a shampoo that works well for your baby, try and stick with that product. It is not advisable to continually switch between products. It could have a bad effect on your baby’s skin, or in this case, hair. Also, make sure not to over-shampoo your baby’s hair. If you bathe your baby three times in a week, shampooing their hair once will do.
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Rinsing Cup
You need a rinsing cup to scoop up water and pour on your baby. Some parents prefer to use their hands to scoop up water, but a cup is better. A cup will get you more water running over the baby. You will also avoid splashing water on your baby when using your hands. The more water you can get over your baby, the more soap you will be able to get rinsed off and the less time the baby will spend unclothed. Don’t forget you need to get the soap out as fast as you can to avoid it getting into your baby’s nose and eyes. So, get a cup!
Bath Toys
Bath time should be fun for your little angels. After all, it is a time to bond with your child. You also want them to enjoy it, so they will be eager for the next bath. This makes it easier for you to bath them whenever you want because they enjoy it. For these reasons, you should consider getting your baby some bath time toys. You can try floating toys and water toys. Depending on your child’s age, you may also consider getting some out-of-the-bathtub toys. If your child enjoys playing with their toys in the tub, then let them play for a while before you bath them.
Soft Washcloths (or sponge)
Washcloths are used for, well, washing your baby during bath time. If you don’t want to use a sponge, you can use a washcloth instead. Make sure the washcloth you use is very soft. Also, ensure to wash and dry them after each use. This is because you will be using it to wash the baby’s genitals and bottom, so you must ensure they are clean for the next bath. You should consider getting a few of these so you don’t have to wash every time. That way you can also switch them up, but it’s best to use a clean towel and washcloth for each bath.
Hooded Baby Towel
Hooded baby towels are absolutely adorable. If you haven’t gotten your baby one of these then you are missing out on their cutest looks. After bathing your angel, you sometimes have to get some things you may have forgotten (we all forget things). Depending on whether you’re preparing them for an outing, stay at home, or nap (night) time, you may need to get different supplies. So get your baby a hooded towel to wait in while you grab those few things to avoid the cold getting them first. It also helps to dry them faster. Get at least three of these.
Baby Diapers
You need diapers before you bath your baby. Though you should let your baby stay bare-bottomed from time to time to allow fresh air to get on the skin to help avoid diaper rash. But, still, you wouldn’t want your angel getting themselves all soiled up after you just gave them a squeaky clean routine. So ensure some clean diapers are available for your baby. Also, try and stick with one product that works well. There’s no need to get creative about diapers. Though you can try different ones to see which one is best for your child.
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