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Bathtime with bump
Taking a long soak can be a relaxing and comforting when you're pregnant. It's
also the perfect time to talk to your 'bump', tickling its little feet when it
gives a kick. But as with most things in pregnancy, it's good to take some
precautions.
It's advised that baths during pregnancy should be kept warm, not hot and that
you shouldn't stay in for longer than 10 minutes. If the bath is too hot it can
make you feel nauseous and dizzy. To test whether the bath is the right
temperature, use your elbow or forearm. Or if you can get into the bath
comfortably, without your skin going red, and you don't feel hot and sweaty, the
temperature is correct.
Remember that your growing bump affects your balance so get in and out of the bath
slowly and carefully. Use a non-slip
bath mat and in the
late stages of pregnancy, you might need someone to help you get in and out of the
tub.
If you've lost your mucous plug or your membranes have ruptured, speak to your doctor
about whether it's safe to bath.
Bathtime with baby
Bathtime is a great opportunity to bond with your baby. Most babies find bathtime
relaxing and as they get older, a lot of fun. But for new parents, bathing a baby can
take some getting used to. We've answered some of the most common bathing questions:
How often should I bath my baby?
You might be very tempted to give your new baby a bath fairly soon after its arrival
as they can come out fairly mucky. But newborns only need to bath every two to three
days and even then, it's recommended that you simply give them a sponge bath until
the umbilical cord stump has healed. After the first few weeks, you might find that
giving your baby a bath every day is a good way to get them into a routine,
particularly if you bath your baby just before bedtime. Once your baby starts crawling
and eating solid foods, a daily bath becomes more of a necessity!
What is a sponge bath and how do I do it?
Also called 'Top and Tailing', a sponge bath involves using a warm, damp sponge, flannel
or cotton wool to wipe your baby clean. You keep your baby wrapped in a towel on your
lap or lie her on a changing mat and gently wipe each area, starting with the face and
ending with the genitals. For a step by step guide, see our extra resources.
Moving to a tub - what do I need to know?
After a couple of? weeks, you can start using either a small baby bath tub or you can put her in a regular bath . A baby bath tub is useful as you can
place it anywhere in the house and some babies find them less frightening than a big
bath tub. Make sure you place it somewhere draught-free and at comfortable height for
you. If you use a regular bath, make sure you use a non-slip rubber mat or special baby bath chair which frees up your hands and makes it easier for you.
Follow this step by step guide:
- Bath your baby when she's not tired or hungry, so she's more likely to enjoy the
experience.
- Have everything ready before you start - towels, flannel or sponge, bath soap,
baby shampoo and cottonwool.
- Only use about 2-3 inches of water for babies under 6 months. For older babies,
the bath water should never reach above their 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 thermometer, the suggested maximum temperature
is 32ºC.
- Only undress your baby once the water is ready so she doesn't get cold. Lower
your baby carefully into the water, using one hand to support her neck and head.
You might want to place a warm, wet flannel over her body to keep her warm and make
her feel safe.
- Pour water gently over your baby's body during the bath to keep 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 eyes or mouth.
- 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 or cotton wool. 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.
How do I make bath time safe?
Once you get the hang of it, bathing your baby is a lot of fun. But you can never be
too cautious when around water. Keep a constant eye on her. Get everything you need
before you start and keep it within easy reach, and never leave your baby alone in
the bath while you answer a ringing telephone or doorbell.
Remember that babies get very slippery once they're in the water and covered with soap,
so hold onto them carefully or use a bath seat or bath mat.
Don't add hot water to the bath once your baby's in it and always run the cold water tap
for a short while after adding hot water to ensure any drips will be cold and not hot.
How do I make bath time fun?
Bath time is a great way to get your child comfortable with water. Try these fun ideas:
- Measuring cups, old plastic tubs or pouring toys are great for pouring and filling, and they're handy for washing your baby's hair too.
- Sing songs. As you wash each body part, sing: This is the way we wash our hands,
wash our hand, wash our hands...
- Cut out different animal shapes from soft baby-friendly sponge. Not only are they
fun to play with - they're practical too!
- Bath toys that squirt water are great fun for slightly older babies
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