Bath time should always be enjoyable for both parents and babies. It’s an opportunity to play and bond while keeping your baby clean. Although there are a lot of precautionary measures to remember, you can still make sure that bathing your baby is always a pleasant and safe experience. Here are five things to keep in mind so bath time is a guaranteed fun time:
1. Give your baby your 100 percent attention
Bathing a newborn can be a little daunting, especially since they are more sensitive. But you can prevent accidents by giving your baby your undivided attention. For new parents, remember to support the infant’s head and neck. Make sure also that the baby bathtub isn’t too deep and that it has a tread or washcloth at the bottom to prevent your baby from slipping. It’s the little details that count.
2. Put your baby in the tub last
Your baby should go in the tub last. So before starting, lay out everything you need near the tub, such as a cup for pouring water, washcloths, cotton balls, bath toys, towel, lotion or oil, diaper and a set of clean clothes. Also make sure that the water temperature is just right, ideally lukewarm. Pediatricians say that the right temperature is 48.8 degrees Celsius. Another good indicator is to check the temperature by dipping your elbow into the water – it should be warm.
3. Hold your baby with one arm and bathe with the other hand
If you are alone, you better use your two hands wisely. One hand should be placed under the neck of your baby and the other hand for bathing since it is important to keep your baby’s face above the water to prevent him from accidentally drinking the water or drowning in it. This is crucial because your baby is susceptible to various infections when he accidentally drinks his bathing water that may contain soap and even germs.
4. Don’t use strong soap to avoid dry skin
Your baby’s skin is very sensitive and it is just right to avoid strong soaps and shampoos so as not to irritate and dry his skin. Dry and irritated skin is uncomfortable for babies. So avoid testing and trying various soaps especially those that contain fragrances. Although these soaps smell good, they might not be good and sensitive enough for the skin.
5. Use Babyflo Oatmeal or Soap-Free Bath
“Look for products that don’t have added perfume or dyes, which can irritate sensitive skin,” said Ari Brown, M.D., co-author of Baby 411, about choosing the right products for your precious little one. Babyflo’s Oatmeal Bath and Babyflo Soap-Free Bath are two good choices to consider.
Both are dermatologically tested and it will just be a matter of preference. Babyflo’s Oatmeal Bath is mild and gentle, and can best moisturize your baby’s skin because of its colloidal oats that can absorb and seal in moisture. Meanwhile, Babyflo’s Soap-Free Bath is fragrance- and paraben-free, perfect for babies with hypersensitive skin.
Oh, and here’s a final tip: Be quick but calm and gentle but in control. Baby’s bath time is a memorable milestone that you will surely cherish. Have a fun and safe bath time.
Babyflo Oatmeal Bath and Babyflo Soap-Free Bath are available in all Mercury Drug stores and other leading supermarkets nationwide