If bath time is a source of anxiety or frustration for you, it’s likely to be one for you baby as well. He can sense when Mommy’s upset, which can cause him to act fussy and even afraid of water. This time, take a deep breath and follow these few tips to make bath time happy again.
Gathering the Right Materials
Before you can give baby a bath, you’ll need to set up the tub and get all the things you’ll need during bath time. You need to make sure that you are thorough when doing this, as you won’t be able to leave baby alone for a second once you get him or her into the bath. If it helps, you can make a checklist for the items you need to bath baby. Your list should include:
- A gentle baby wash
- A soft cloth
- Baby towels
- A soft mat for the tub or sink
- Toys
Depending on what your baby bath time ritual is, there may be other items that you’d like to prepare. Just make sure that you’ve checked and double checked to ensure you have what you need to get baby clean.
Always Be Gentle
One of the things that you should keep in mind during bath time is that you’ll need to treat baby gently. Speak softly and sweetly, as sound is amplified by bathroom tiles and bare walls. Also using a soft washcloth and gentle, loving strokes when you’re washing baby will help you to bond with one another. You can clean baby and feel closer than ever before.
Some babies don’t like baths, and they can be overly fussy when they’re forced to get into one. Try to bathe her when she is already happy and content, rather than when she is sleepy and more apt to be fussy. Later, when she sees bath time as a safe and fun activity, then you can switch to a night-time bath to help establish a bedtime routine.
Remember to Have Fun
As much as bath time is about getting baby clean, it’s also a time where you and baby can let loose and have some fun together. Do whatever you can to make bath a lot more fun for you and for your little one. Some babies will enjoy playing and splashing with toys, while others will just enjoy being silly and giggly with mommy. Sing songs to your little one and play little games. That way, your baby won’t dread bath time and will instead look forward to it.
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