The love between moms and babies is unmatchable in the world and bathing your baby is a time for mother and child to bond. But, co-bathing with an infant is an even bigger bonding experience. It is recommended that you bathe with your baby once in a while. You feel closer to each other and it can prove to be a really fun and exciting experience for both of you. Although before you jump into the tub with your little one there are a few things you need to know about co bathing with an infant. Below is what you should know about bathing with your baby (especially if this is your first time doing this).
Related: Teaching Your Kid To Take A Bath
Regulating The Water Temperature
You should regulate the water temperature to match your body temperature when co bathing with an infant. The normal human body temperature is 98.6 F. You will know when the water matches when you can’t feel the heat or the coldness. Use your elbow to check the temperature. You could also use a thermometer – and this is a much more preferable method – to check the temperature of the water. Once you’re sure the temperature is ok then you can proceed without any worries of scalding the infant. The water may feel cool to you, but it will be best for your baby.
Related : Teaching Your Kid To Bath: Safety Tips
Get In The Tub First
When co bathing with infant, you should get into the tub first. Do not try to get into the tub while holding your baby in your hands. Also do not put her in the tub first. You can keep your little one in a baby seat by the tub. Once you get in and adjust to a comfortable position, then you can proceed to carry the baby into the tub with you. You are to do this to avoid accidents. The bathtub is slippery and you could easily lose balance when trying to get in while holding a baby. If possible, have another adult else hand you the baby. It will be a safer option for both moms and babies.
Soap Free
When co bathing with infant the bath should be soap-free. If you plan to wash yourself in the tub then do that before the baby gets into the tub and then replace the water. Remember, it is less about you getting clean and more about the bonding that you two experience. It is inadvisable to use soap on a baby’s delicate skin during the first few weeks and months after birth. Babies have delicate skin as it has not yet been exposed to everything an adult’s skin has. So, they are more prone to have negative reactions to soap and adult cleansers. Keep this thing in mind so your baby can enjoy her bathing with mom.
Skin To Skin Time When Co Bathing With Infant
You should create room for as much skin to skin contact as you can when co bathing with an infant. This is why you should have already cleaned yourself before getting in there with the baby. You could breastfeed them in the tub. Your baby will reap the benefits of connecting with mom on two levels; skin to skin contact and breastfeeding. The more you two touch the more accustomed your baby feels to you. It creates a positive relationship when co bathing with an infant. They will also find it easy to be comforted by your touch regardless of what the situation might be in future times.
Check For Fault In Tap
There is no room for mistakes. Before co-bathing with an infant, you should ensure your tap cannot be turned on accidentally. The shower should also not have any problems that would cause water to come out unexpectantly. There have been situations where water rushes out of the tap unexpectedly. Make sure your tap does not have this issue. If it does, then it would be best if you bathe your baby in a baby bathtub. Such a situation where hot or cold water gushes out could either cause the moms and babies to get scalded and injured. You want to avoid both, especially the former.
Related: 10 Ways To Make Bathing Time A Fun Time
Anti-Slip
You need to make anti-slip provisions in the bathroom. You would be able to easily handle things if you were only bathing your baby. But once you get in the tub, you also get water all over your body and can easily lose your balance while holding another human being in your hands. People fall in bathrooms when they aren’t even holding anything. You should have a floor mat next to the bathtub where you can dry your legs well before moving out of the bathroom with your baby. You should also dry your hands well after co bathing with the infant before carrying the baby out of the seat.
Bath Supplies
All the things you will be needing for co bathing with an infant should be half an arm’s length away. You shouldn’t have to stretch to get anything. Arrange everything you’ll be needing close to the tub edge. You could get a small table where you can put the towel, sponge, and any other things you may require while in the tub. If you forgot something then you should forgo it. You don’t have to have a cup for pouring water, use your hand, or a washcloth. Unless you have forgotten the towels, it really can’t be that important. When you really need the towels, you’ll be ready to get out of the tub anyway.
Using Gloves When Co Bathing With Infant
You could consider getting gloves when co bathing with an infant. Soft gloves aren’t a necessity, but they could make things much more interesting and enjoyable. They come in different colors, and textures. But you should pick a pair that is both able to let you hold the baby well and soft enough for the baby’s skin. You can use them as an instant washcloth. Rubbing your hands all over the baby’s body (and at the same time cleaning them nicely). This is another form of bonding. The baby does not get the sensation of being bathed, rather it’s more of a mom’s and baby’s time.
Keep It Brief
Do not stay too long in the tub when co bathing with an infant. Once you’ve breastfed the baby (if you chose to) you should clean them gently and be out. Staying too long can cause their skin to dry. When getting out of the tub you should follow the same procedure you took when getting in. First, put the baby in their seat, come out of the tub gently and dry your legs to avoid slipping. Then you can carry them, wrap them in their towel and leave the bathroom. Ensure to hold the baby well and be careful with the bathroom floor to avoid slipping.
Don’t Over-Do It
As lovely as it is, you should not over-do this. Your baby does not need to have a bath every day. Though you may bathe daily, babies do not require the same cleaning you do. Bathing them daily could cause skin damage as it may begin to cause their skin to dry out. You only need to bathe your baby 2-3 times a week. This means co bathing with an infant should only be once in a while. There are other alternatives you can opt for if you feel they need cleaning. Amongst these are sponge baths and top and tail routines. They help keep the baby clean and comfy without drying the skin.
Whenever the baby takes a bath with mom, they feel much secure and enjoy it more as compared to the single baby bath only. It will also help to make your bond stronger with your kid.
These are some essential tips to remember for moms and babies while bathing together. Hopefully, It will help you during co-bathing with your kid.
Related: Bath Tips For Baby Skin Care
