There are different ways and places in your home to give your baby a bath. One such place is the sink. A baby bath sink insert is one item that can help you with the process of giving your baby a bath in the sink. Given that a sink is a different place for giving a baby a bath (compared to the bathtub) there are things you need to know before you start using it for baby baths. Keep reading to find out what you need to know to give your baby a bath using a bath insert.
Related : Teaching Your Kid To Bath: Safety Tips
What You Need For A Baby Bath Sink Insert Routine
What do you need for a baby bath sink insert routine? Before you start the bath you should have everything you will need. Your supplies would be the regular bathing supplies, but of course, you wouldn’t be needing a bathtub. You’ll need clean washcloths, soap for lather, and a rinsing cup. Everything should be within reach. You shouldn’t have to move far to grab anything. The towel should also be close to you so you can wrap the baby with it immediately after you finish bathing them. In the case where you forgot something, go with your baby to get it. Never leave your baby alone during a bath, not even for a second.
Related : Teaching Your Kid To Take A Bath
Set The Water Before The Baby Bath Sink Insert
The temperature of the water should be around 99 – 100 ℉. You should also make sure the water is not too deep, 2-3 inches is enough for use with a baby bath sink insert. You can check the temperature using a baby thermometer. The drain plug should be inserted so that the water does not escape and you can easily make a lather. You may prefer using the water coming directly from the tap, but you’ll quickly discover this isn’t advisable. It is highly unlikely that the water will be the required temperature. You could also choose to have your water in a separate bowl. The baby bath sink insert routine is a simple procedure.
Set The Baby Bath Sink Insert
The baby bath sink insert is usually a soft foam that you can place in the sink. It creates a safe space for the baby to stay during the bath. It can be opened like a flower so it occupies more space. As you know, you will need to be standing during the bath since you are using the sink. Some parents find that standing is a much more comfortable state for them to bathe the baby in. Also, when you’re not using these sink inserts you can easily fold them for easy storage. Usually, a baby bath sink insert is used from infancy to 6 months.
Covering The Faucet
Apart from the baby bath sink insert used for making the baby more comfortable, you also need to cover the spout. Bathing the baby in the sink exposes them to getting bumped on the head by the tap. This could cause serious injuries. You should make sure to cover the head of the tap with a protective cover. You can use a baby tap cover for this purpose. Get one that is soft and without pointy edges. This serves well to protect the baby’s head. This does not have to be a permanent addition to the sink tap. You can always take it off when you’re done. Keep it in a convenient place so you can easily reach it whenever you need to bath your baby.
The Eyes
When giving your baby a bath in the sink insert , start by washing your baby’s eyes. Dip a ball of cotton in water and wipe your baby’s eyes. Use water from a separate bowl, not the same water you use for bathing the baby. Do not use the same ball of cotton more than once as this can transfer dirt and bacteria from one eye to the other. You must use a different one for each eye and each time you clean again. When you wipe, you go from the bottom upwards, wiping in the opposite direction of the nose. You should be gentle and cautious not to poke the baby.
Related : Bath Tips For Baby Skin Care
The Face And Neck
While the insert helps support the baby’s head, it’s best to lean the baby’s head back some in order to clean the neck well. Clean the face, ears and skin fold around the neck. Pay extra attention to the skin folds around the neck. Do not allow water to get into the baby’s ear canals. Also, do not put anything (cotton ball, or washcloths) at all into the baby’s ear. Just wipe gently around the inside and behind the ears. When pouring water on the baby’s hair, you can use a shampoo rinser. Its special design hugs the baby’s forehead so that the water curves nicely around without getting into the eyes or ears.
Using Soap For A Baby Bath Sink Insert Routine
Each time you give your baby a bath (in the baby bath sink insert), you should make sure to use only a little amount of cleanser. Only use the cleanser for the lower parts starting from around the neck, trunk region, and then to the legs. When you wash any part with soap make sure to rinse it immediately. Don’t allow the soap to dry out on one part while washing another part. This can cause the skin to dry out. Ensure to lift the arms gently and wash under the armpits and other tricky areas. Then wash the legs and under the feet. When you finish washing the first leg, raise the other one and wash it as well.
Turning The Baby
Unlike in the bathtub, when using the baby bath sink insert there is little space in the sink. This will allow the raised edges to serve as a barrier to keep the baby from bumping their head on the sink edges. It’s not very safe having the baby in a high place with no boundaries. When you turn the baby to wash their backs or raise one leg to wash, ensure that the part you’re not holding is safely kept. Do not turn the baby suddenly. Gently change position and when you do so ensure they are comfortable before you proceed. If the baby has to support themselves in an awkward position they might end up getting injured.
Put On Clean Diapers
Do not reuse the same diapers they had on before the bath. Do not put the same dirty diaper back on their now clean body. There should be a clean diaper waiting for you. Sometimes you may want to leave them for a few minutes without the diaper. It may be because you want them to get some fresh air. This is normal (for all baths including when you use the baby bath sink insert), but do not leave them for too long so they don’t end up making a mess, if you know what I mean.
Tips
During the baby bath sink insert routine, ensure your hands are on the child during the bath at all times for their safety. You should also make it fun and enjoyable (as much as you can). Some babies have a hard time with cold weather. If that is your baby, then limit the time of exposure of their body. Make sure the soap you use is safe and ensure that your baby does not have any allergies to the products you use for their bath. Lastly, take your baby out of the water as soon as your done with the bath.
Related : 10 Ways To Make Bathing Time A Fun Time
