Having a baby is one thing, taking good care of your baby is another, and giving baby a bath is one way of doing that. Taking care of your baby isn’t just about having good intentions, you need to ensure you prevent situations that could stand in the way of them being healthy. Certain things happen without our planning them. These things tend to bring us discomfort sometimes. As adults, we may be able to pass through these circumstances without any problems. For babies, the slightest thing could affect their health and wellbeing. That is why you need to avoid these situations stated below.
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Letting People Carry Your Infant
Except when necessary, you shouldn’t have a habit of letting others carry your baby out of the bathroom after giving baby a bath. Especially, when the kid is still very young. When you finish giving baby a bath, carry her out of the bathroom yourself. If someone asks to help you, then politely decline. Sometimes people come around and they might want to carry the child. They don’t necessarily mean any harm, but accidents could occur especially when passing the baby who might be wet after the bath. The person might also not know how to properly carry the child. When the child is still an infant, it is best to avoid too many different people holding them.
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Not Napping Well
Your baby’s nap is very important. Ensure they get adequate sleep. Babies nap a lot, and it is a healthy part of their development. Mothers instinctively work towards getting rid of things that disturb their baby’s beauty sleep. While you should keep an eye on your baby during naps, you shouldn’t wake them up. If the weather is hot, giving baby a bath can help cool down your baby’s body temperature which in turn helps them sleep well. Also, ensure they don’t go to sleep hungry. If you haven’t fed her and she starts yawning you should breastfeed and let her sleep afterward. She’ll sleep better and longer on a full tummy.
Bathing Baby Everyday
Adults and babies have different bathing requirements. We may think to apply the same methods to our kids. But, their skin and ours are very different. Also, a baby does not get as much dirt on them as you do. As an adult, you may bathe every day, but your baby does not need such frequent bathing. You should be giving baby a bath 2 to 3 times a week. You may opt for a top and tail on days when you don’t give them a full bath. Bathing the baby every day can dry the skin. This is something you should avoid.
Letting Just Any Family Member Bath Your Infant
Your baby’s bath time is a time for bonding. It is also important that the baby is safe during the whole process. It is because you are concerned about your baby’s health and want to know how best to care for them that you are here. When it comes to giving baby a bath, you should not let just anybody bathe the baby. Take that responsibility yourself. Older siblings may want to be helpful and bathe the baby, but no matter how careful they say they will be, it’s still not wise. Children become distracted too quickly for it to be safe. If it’s a must that someone else does it, then let it be a person who knows how to do it well.
Sick Family Members
It is often difficult dealing with loved ones and relations. When family members visit they usually want to carry the baby and play with him/her. Nobody likes it when they have to stay away from people due to ill health. If any family members or relatives are ill, then they should avoid interacting with the baby. If you are ill, avoid giving baby a bath. You should go see the doctor to learn if the illness can affect your baby. If it can, you should try to get someone experienced to care for the child until you recover so that you don’t get the baby sick. Child health is of optimal importance.
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Kids Playing
If you have more than one child and the older one wants to bathe with the baby, it is okay as long as you remain to supervise. Many children live in a fantasy world that is self-centered and it takes a few years before they gain empathy for others. They have difficulty understanding how their actions affect those around them. Holding a younger sibling underwater may just seem fun to them but it is, of course, very dangerous. So, when giving baby a bath with an older sibling, always stay in the room and watch how the older one plays with the baby to be sure they are both safe.
Letting Them Stay Dirty
If you bathed them but they’re fond of getting dirty it’s not going to hurt if you’re giving baby a bath again. You also cannot let them linger with the dirt. If you don’t want them to get dirty, you could put them in a crib. Also, if they get very dirty, then you have to opt for a full bath. If you cannot cope with the frequent cleaning, you may have to find ways of preventing them from getting dirty instead of letting them stay with it. Even if you plan on giving them a bath later, kids put a lot of things in their mouths. You wouldn’t want them having anything that could be harmful when ingested.
Using Harsh Soaps and Shampoos When Giving Baby A Bath
You should avoid using soaps and shampoos on your baby as much as possible. These can dry out your baby’s soft and sensitive skin. They can also cause rashes. If you have to use soap when giving baby a bath, choose a mild one specifically designed for babies or toddlers. You should also try to use it sparingly. If you want your child to play in the water, then let them play at the beginning when you haven’t put in the soap yet. Avoid letting them stay in soapy water. Once you’ve finished giving baby a bath, you should get them out immediately.
Carrying The Baby Incorrectly
When giving baby a bath, serious casualties can occur if you don’t carry your baby properly. A fall in the bathroom would most likely be fatal. Do not forget that your baby’s skin will be slippery after a bath. You have to be extra careful when carrying them. Hold the baby firmly to avoid accidents. Do not carry her with one hand, use both hands to carry your baby. Wrapping the baby in a towel when carrying her out of the bathroom can help reduce the slipperiness of your hand on the baby’s skin. You should also support the head with one hand when you carry her out.
Not Drying Immediately After Giving Your Baby A Bath
After giving baby a bath, you must ensure that you dry the baby very well. Your baby should be kept warm at all times. Not drying the baby immediately could lead to him catching a cold. Also, if you are going to apply a cream on the baby, then make sure you pat every part completely dry before you do so. If the room temperature is particularly cold then ensure to cover all parts of the body. Only uncover the part you want to apply the cream on and afterward cover it up. Also, remember the body temperature cools down when giving baby a bath.
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