Taking a bath with your baby is one of the best things you can do to bond with your little one. There are so many benefits of bathing with your baby — there’s no reason to hesitate.
I’ve taken a bath with all three of my kids. Yes- all in the same tub. When you’re a new mom, it’s the only way to get you and your kids cleaned up without worrying about your newborn waking up, or crying while you rush yourself out of the shower.
Taking a bath with your baby isn’t the easiest thing to do. There are things you need to consider before jumping in the tub with your little ones, especially a newborn.
But, don’t worry, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about taking a bath with your baby, so you’re prepared the next time your little one won’t let you take a shower.
Benefits of Taking a Bath With Your Baby
Baby bath benefits (with or without you) are endless. Taking a bath with your baby can be such a soothing experience for both you and your infant.
Some parents may think it’s a bit weird to bathe with your baby, but what’s so weird about it? Your baby won’t feel weird, so why should you?
Leave the worries behind and think about all the co-bathing baby bath benefits you’ll get when taking a bath with your baby.
Skin to Skin Time
Is there any better way to have skin to skin time than the while co-bathing? Skin to skin is the perfect way to bond with your baby. This brings you closer to your newborn, and your newborn feels more secure.
You can do skin to skin in any position while bathing because you won’t have any clothes in the way. Try placing your baby directly on your chest so she can hear your heartbeat.
You can also place your baby in between your thighs with your legs bent while you lay down in the water. This way you’ll be able to look directly at her and make eye contact.
Water Calms a Crying Baby
It’s true. The warm water, skin contact, and sound of your heart close to their ears remind a newborn of being inside of the womb. This soothes them and calms them down if they’ve been rather fussy.
Easier to Breastfeed
Every mom knows how hard it is to breastfeed a newborn — especially a new mom trying to breastfeed a newborn. Getting them to latch on is sometimes impossible.
And when your milk starts to let down, there’s no stopping it. Your baby gets full of milk, your clothes, and everything around you. That’s why it’s so amazing to nurse while taking a bath with your baby.
The warm water soothes the uncomfortable feeling of when your milk comes rushing out. It’s also less stressful because you don’t need to clean up the milk after nursing. Your baby might also latch on easier due to the calming atmosphere of the bath.
More Convenient for You
I know the feeling of not being able to take a shower when you’ve got a newborn. It’s even hard with an older baby. That’s why taking a bath with your baby is so convenient.
You’re able to wash up and give your baby a bath without worrying about him waking up while you’re in the shower.
Is Taking a Bath With Your Baby Safe?
It’s perfectly safe if you know what you’re doing, and you’re confident about taking a bath with your baby. Of course, you probably feel a little hesitant about taking your baby into the bath with you, but trust me, there’s nothing to worry about, especially if you prepare yourself.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to take a bath with your baby.
How to Co-Bath With a Newborn
When it comes to newborns, you’ve got to take extra precautions. Use this guide below to help you get ready to take a bath with your newborn. This guide can also help you take a bath with an older baby as well.
Is Your Baby Ready for Co-Bathing?
Or, maybe the question is “What age should you take a bath with your baby?” Well, it really doesn’t depend on the age of your baby.
You can co-bath with a newborn as soon as their umbilical cord heals. If your newborn has had a circumcision done, you should also wait until that has healed as well, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
How Often Should You Bathe a Newborn?
Because a newborn’s skin is so sensitive, you should only bathe them once every one or two weeks. Make sure to use mild soap when bathing a newborn, as their skin is so delicate at this time.
Check the Water Temperature
A newborn’s skin is super sensitive. When taking a bath with your baby you’ve got to keep the water temperature down a bit. It may not be so comfortable for you, but your baby will definitely cry if the water is too hot.
Keep the water temperature close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check this with a baby bath thermometer. If you don’t have one, test the water with your elbow. The water should feel warm, not hot.
Gather All Your Supplies
It’s very important to have everything beside you before you sit in the bathtub. You’ll have your baby in your arms, and it won’t exactly be that easy to get up or reach out for something.
Keep all your bath supplies close to, or around, the bathtub. Also, make sure to have everything for you and your baby. Keep towels close by to wrap your baby up right after getting out of the bath.
Get in Without Your Baby
Please do not attempt to enter the bath with your baby in your arms. I know how hard this is, so don’t do it. The best thing to do is to get in the bathtub first and then bring your baby in.
You can place your baby in a car seat since it’s low to the floor. This makes it easy for you to grab her while sitting in the bathtub. You can also use any other type of low chair such as a bouncer, swing, etc.
Maintain Your Grip
Accidents in the bathtub happen all the time. The floor of the bath is slippery, and when you add soap and water, it’s extremely slippery. The best thing to do is place an anti-slip mat on the bath floor to prevent you, or your baby, from slipping and sliding.
If you’re worried about losing grip of your baby in the tub, try these bath gloves. They help you grip your baby and you can even use them as a body scrubber.
Keep Your Baby Warm
First thing to remember, don’t stay in the bath with your baby for too long. 10 minutes is long enough considering the water will cool down with time.
Keep your bathroom warm and, if needed, add warm water to the tub. You can keep your baby warm by pouring water over her every so often.
Get Out Without Your Baby
It’s very important to exit the bathtub without your baby in your arms. You can do this by placing your infant back into the car seat. Be sure to wrap a towel around her.
You can lay a towel down in the car seat and then place your baby down on the towel if it makes it easier for you. Once your baby is out of the tub, you’ll feel more comfortable exiting yourself.
You can also always get someone to help you, a spouse, or anyone else you’re comfortable with. Hand them your baby so they can wrap them up while you finish bathing yourself.
What About Taking a Shower With Your Baby?
Yes, you can shower with your baby, however, I’d wait until they’re older. They may even like the shower more than the bath.
With a shower, make sure you’ve got a good grip on your child. If they’re old enough to sit without falling over, keep them at the end of the bathtub while you wash up. Then you’ll be able to wash and rinse them afterward.
When to Stop Taking a Bath With Your Baby?
Most people agree that you should stop bathing with baby when they reach 5 years of age, though it’s ultimately up to you. It may seem weird to bathe with your child when they get older, but every family is different.
The only thing I do agree on is pausing the co-bathing in certain situations. Some of those being:
- When you’re menstruating
- If you’re still recovering from a C-section
- When you’re exhausted
- When your baby has pooped in the tub
And any other reason that prevents you from being 100% comfortable taking a bath with your baby.
Final Words
Taking a bath with your baby can be really wonderful, and you should definitely try it out if you haven’t already. Hopefully, all of your questions and concerns were cleared after reading this post so you can be able to have a worry-free bath with your baby.
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