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Bathing while Pregnant
There seem to be two schools of thought on taking baths during pregnancy; some argue that hot baths
are best avoided, while others believe that a warm, relaxing bath can help
ease tension and muscular aches. See further resources on
the left for more information on bathing while pregnant.
If you're pregnant and you like taking baths, the main thing to be aware of is water temperature.
If the water is too hot, your blood pressure can decrease and this can make you nauseous and dizzy.
The water should be warm and just like with a baby's bath, test it with your elbow first. It should be
cool enough to get into straight away.
It's very important that you get in and out of the bath slowly and carefully. Always use a
non-slip rubber mat
and it's a good idea to have your bath when someone else is at home. In the later stages of
pregnancy, you'll probably need some help getting in and out of the tub.
How Often Should I Bath My Baby?
Knowing when to start bathing your newborn and how often he/she needs bathing can be a bit tricky.
There are different schools of thought on this subject but it's generally thought that newborns only
need a bath every 2–3 days. You might actually find that it's easier to use the sponge bath method
by wiping your baby with damp cotton wool and a flannel on a warm, flat surface or
changing mat.
You'll need to consider bathing your baby more often once they start getting messy with solid food and you'll
find your baby will get much dirtier when he/she begins to crawl.
Sponge Bathing:
It is generally advised that a sponge bath is the best way to wash a newborn until the umbilical
cord has healed. Sponge bathing or 'Top and Tailing' can be a handy bathing method for very young or
small babies because you don't have to worry about holding onto them in slippery bathwater.
For a step-by-step guide on how to give your baby a sponge bath,
click here.
Tub Bathing:
When your baby is around 6 weeks old, you may want to consider moving to a small tub. When your baby
is able to hold his/her head up straight, you can start thinking about moving to a grown-up tub. Follow this
step-by-step guide for tub bathing:
- If you're using a baby bath, place it in an area that is draught-free and at a height that is comfortable for you.
- It's best to bath your baby when he/she is not tired or hungry, so they're more likely to enjoy the experience.
- Baby baths are useful because they can be moved to different parts of the house and some babies find them less
frightening than a large bathtub.
- If bathing your baby in a big tub, you may want to use a
non-slip seat
or mat; alternatively, a towel at the
bottom of the tub will prevent slipping.
- Once the bath is set up, add cold water first and then hot to reduce chance of scalding.
- Only use about 2-3 inches of water for babies under 6 months. For older children, the bath water should never reach
above the waist when in a sitting position.
- Test the water with the inside of your wrist or your elbow and if in any doubt, add more cold water.
- If you have a water thermometer, a good guide to a maximum water temperature is 32°C but remember that
this not a hard and fast rule.
- Only undress your baby once the water is ready. Lower your baby carefully into the water,
using one hand to support the neck and head.
- Pour water gently over your baby's body during the bath to keep him/her from getting too cold.
Don't pour water over your baby's head, as you want to avoid getting it in your baby's mouth.
- If your baby seems uncomfortable or afraid in the bath, you might like to sing quietly. A gentle massage
can also be very reassuring.
- Use mild soap or baby liquid sparingly as it can dry out your baby's skin.
- Wipe your baby's face, ears and eyes with a clean washcloth. Use another cloth for the rest of the body.
Sponge from top to bottom, front to back.
- Do not scrub your baby's skin, instead pat with a washcloth to avoid skin
irritation and redness. Make sure you get into all the skin folds.
- Afterwards, dry baby thoroughly and apply a body cream or massage oil.
What You'll Need:
Remember to gather together all the items you'll need for your baby's bath before you begin. Always
ensure everything is within easy reach so you don't take your eyes off your child.
Bath Time Safety
Bath time can be an enjoyable experience for you and your baby, but you can never be too cautious
when your child is around water. The following tips should help ensure your baby's safety in the bath.
- Never take your eyes off your child, not even for a moment.
- Gather everything you'll need before you start the bath and keep it within easy reach.
- Never add hot water to the bath while your baby is in it.
- Hold your baby very carefully as he/she will become slippery. Alternatively, put your baby in a bath seat.
- Use faucet covers to ensure your baby can't bump or burn him/herself.
- If your taps swivel, make sure they are turned away when your baby is in the bath.
- 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 him/her with you.
- Make sure you place a bath mat on the floor at all times so you don't slip over.
- If washing your baby's hair, do it last as a lot of heat can be lost through the head.
- Try to teach your baby from an early age to always sit up in the bath.
For more safety tips on bathing your baby,
click here.
Making Bath Time Fun!
Here are some great ideas for making bath time fun...
- Measuring cups are fun for pouring and filling in the bath. An old set will make a free, fun set of toys for the tub.
Cups are also very handy for washing your child's hair too.
- Cut out different animal shapes from soft baby-friendly sponge. Not only are they be fun to play with -
they're practical too!
- Hand puppets are
a great way of entertaining your baby in the bath! Have the puppet sing or talk as you wash your baby with it.
- 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!
- Add interest and fun to bath time by
colouring the bath water!
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Bath Chair £13.99
Duck Bathmat £24.99
Swivel Bath Seat £12.99
Towelling Bath Mitts £9.99
Extra Long Bath Mat £9.99
Bath Toy £24.99
Wooden Step Stool £26.99
Tub Tints £4.99
Amazing Bath Mobile £19.99
Newborn Bathing Pad £12.99
Prince Lionheart Bath Toy Hammock £9.99