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pregnant bathing
Relaxing in the bath is one of life's simple pleasures - especially for pregnant women. A 10-minute bath with bubble bath and a lit candle can make all the difference. But you need to remember to be careful about the temperature of the water. While conventional wisdom suggests that soaking in a luxurious warm bath is perfectly safe, pregnant women need to remember that hot baths may be dangerous.
The effects of a hot bath on your body and your baby aren't clear, but a lot of pregnant women often find that if the water is too hot, they can feel faint or sick as their blood pressure drops. But there's no need to panic. You simply need to test the water with your elbow or forearm. A warm bath will be comfortable enough for you to get in straight away, but a bath that's too hot may turn your skin red or leave you sweating.
Another top tip for mums-to-be is to get in and out of the bath very carefully. Always use a non-slip rubber mat and try to make sure that you have your bath when someone else is at home. Don't forget that in the later stages of pregnancy, you'll probably need some help getting in and out of the tub.
Take a look at our further resources for more tips and advice on safe bathing.
baby bath time
Baths are a great way of bonding and having fun with your baby, and they can really help you establish a healthy routine for your child. But if you're not prepared, bath time can be a less wholesome experience altogether.
Before your baby takes the plunge, remember to gather everything you'll need for their bath. Always ensure everything is within easy reach so you don't need to take your eyes off your child. Must-have items include:
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Baby bath (main bath for older babies)
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Baby bath sling or bath seat
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Clean towel or robe
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Two baby flannels or sponges (one for the face, one for the rest of the body)
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Baby shampoo (depending on amount of hair your baby has)
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Anti-slip seat, pad or mat
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Bath toys
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Cotton Wool
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Moisturiser or barrier cream for nappy rash
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Changing Mat
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Clean nappy and baby clothes or sleepsuit
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Baby hairbrush
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There's no need to be worried about the safety of your baby in the bath as long as you follow some simple rules. The following tips should give you peace of mind:
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Never take your eyes off your child, not even for a moment.
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Gather everything you'll need before you start the bath and keep it within easy reach.
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Never add hot water to the bath while your baby is in it.
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Bathing pads or slings are equally good to use from birth, or if your baby can sit unaided you can use a baby bath seat.
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Use tap covers to ensure your baby can't bump or burn themselves.
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If your taps swivel, make sure they are turned away when your baby is in the bath.
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If the phone rings and you have to answer it, take your baby out of the bath, wrap your baby in a towel and take them with you.
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Make sure you place a bath mat on the floor at all times so you don't slip over.
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Wash your baby's hair last as a lot of heat can be lost through the head.
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Try to teach your baby from an early age to always sit up in the bath.
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splish splash
If you want to make bath time more fun, take a look at some of our handy hints that should help it all go swimmingly. Here are some great ideas for making bath time more enjoyable, and even educational:
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Plastic cups can be great fun for pouring and filling in the bath. As well as being a toy for your child, they can come in very handy for washing hair.
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Cut out different animal shapes from a soft baby-friendly sponge. They're fun to play with and practical too!
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Finger puppet mits are a great way of entertaining your baby in the bath! Make the puppet sing or talk as you wash your baby with it.
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Punch holes in the bottom of an empty plastic container; a yoghurt tub would be ideal. Fill it with bath water and make it rain in the tub!
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Games like bath-time basketball, Fish and Spell and Fishing Fun will make sure your kids look forward to bath time.
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Have your say:
If you've got any bathing tips, whether they're for pregnant mums, babies
or toddlers, we'd love to hear from you.
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