Things to Know
- Newborns may not like baths. Older babies and toddlers may be scared of baths.
- Introduce your child to baths slowly, make them feel safe and make bathing fun.
- Always have adult supervision when bathing babies and small children.
Newborns may feel unsafe while bathing. He may not like temperature changes or the feeling of floating.
Older babies and toddlers may be scared of the sound of running water or slipping underwater. He may not like having his hair washed or getting soap or water in his eyes.
can reassure your child with a gentle manner. Placing your hands or a face towel on your child’s stomach or chest can help them feel reassured during the bath. This helps to keep the temperature consistent and warm.
A bath time routine can make life easier for newborns and babies because it helps them know what to expect. For example, you could try singing a special bath song or reciting a funny nursery rhyme while you dry your child off with a towel.
Newborns: Bathing Tips
How to make bathing a newborn easier:
- Use a small baby bath. This will make your baby feel safer.
- Make sure the water is at body temperature.
- Maintain eye contact with your baby.
- Discuss with your baby what happened during the bath.
Babies and Toddlers: Bath time Tips
These ideas can help older babies and toddlers get used to bath time.
Introduce bath time slowly. For example, put your child in an empty bathtub and wash them with a sponge. When your child is ready to handle it, fill the tub with water and let them get in. Keep the baby bathtub in the larger bathtub for a while until your child gets used to it.
Take baths with your child. You can make your child safe by having them sit between your legs or on your lap.
Use a non-slip mat or sticker on the bottom of the bathtub. This will help ease your child’s fear of slipping in the water.
Remove your child from the bathtub (and possibly the bathroom) before unplugging it. The sound of water running down the drain can be very frightening for a child. If your child is afraid of getting shampoo in their eyes, try using a special bathing cap (available at pharmacies). This will prevent the foam and water from getting into your child’s eyes. Some kids like to wear swimming goggles. It’s also a good idea to use shampoos for babies and children that are less likely to hurt small eyes.
If bathing alone doesn’t work, try taking a shower with your child. Hold your child in your arms or have him sit on the shower floor so that the water can splash around on him. Fun Bath Time Ideas. You may be able to overcome your child’s fear of bath time by making bath time fun.
Buy a special toy just for bath time. Bath sticks, squirt toys, and funnels are all great fun. Let your toddler pick out a new bubble bath or special toy.
Bath younger and older siblings together. For example, get your toddler and preschooler in the tub at the same time. This way the kids can play in the bath together and the anxious child can watch his sibling enjoying a bath. Use bath time as time to spend with your child. Sing songs, read stories or play games while you do the laundry.
Playfully practice bath time with toys or dolls. Not only is this fun, it also helps your child understand the concept of bath time.
If your child is old enough, let them pick out soft, colorful towels just for bath time. Or use children’s soaps and shampoos with scents that your child likes.
Try varying the time you give your child a bath. Some children prefer to bathe in the morning when they are more tired and less cranky.
