Bathing a slippery and delicate newborn can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent and your baby might not like it much either but with a little practice, you’ll both start to feel more comfortable and baby’s bath time can turn into an enjoyable experience.
Until your baby starts crawling and getting dirty on the ground, a daily bath isn’t required. Once your baby can sit up on her own and outgrows the infant tub, you may want to do it more often; because let’s face it, there’s nothing cuter than seeing a baby splashing in the bath surrounded by soapy suds and a rubber ducky.
Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need for bath time:
Soaps and shampoos
You baby’s skin is much more sensitive than adult skin, so always use a cleanser or soap that is made especially for babies. Adult liquid cleanser and soaps contain Alkaline which can strip the natural oils from your baby’s skin, leaving it more vulnerable to drying out or getting a rash. A cleanser with a neutral pH level is more suited to a baby’s delicate skin because it does not remove the protective barrier that locks the moisture in.
Sponges and Wash-cloths
If you’re in a hurry or not confident enough to give your baby a full on bath yet, a sponge bath is a fast and easy way to keep baby clean. There are a number of different sized and colourful sponges for babies available or if you’re feeling more traditional, multiple Wash-cloths can be used. Just remember to rinse out your sponges/ Wash-cloths with a disinfectant after every bath and dry them well to stop bacteria and mildew forming.
Bath basins
Most mothers choose to start bathing their baby with water right from birth, in which case, using a basin is the best option. It allows your baby to stay warm in the water as you clean him and can be used from birth up until your baby is a toddler. There is a large variety of baby basins in the market that come with or without an inbuilt seat and rubber grooves for anti-slip protection.
Bath toys
If your baby’s feeling cranky or just won’t stay still, try introducing fun toys to the bath. Rubber ducks, teething rings, and inflatable, colourful animals are a great way of keeping your baby occupied while you clean him.
Toiletries
Once your baby’s all cleaned up, it’s time for the lotions and powder. Some parents use a combination of baby lotions and talc to keep your baby’s skin moisturised and dry whilst others prefer a simple dusting of talc. Whichever option you prefer, always ensure lotions are applied correctly (don’t use too much and make sure it absorbs properly) and use a powder puff so that excess talc doesn’t stick to the skin.
These are just a few suggestions to make your baby’s bath time both safe and fun. There are plenty of products available here in Sri Lanka to help you make bath time an enjoyable experience, especially brands like Pears Baby and Farlin, that focus on quality baby toiletries.