Something as simple as a bath for a baby can be a danger situation. This time with your baby should be fun, relaxing, and a great opportunity for bonding. However, water safety is crucial, especially for a small baby. With some basic knowledge pertaining to safety and bathing, both you and your baby can have a great time.
First, you want to make sure that your baby is never, left unattended, not for one second. Before you put your baby in the water, have the shampoo, soap, washcloth, towel, powder, diaper, clothing, and everything needed laid out within reach. Then, never answer the door or phone, leaving your baby alone. Even if it seems like a second to you, a five-minute phone conversation goes by fast, just enough time for a baby to slip out of the protective harness and into the water.
Then, you need to determine the type of bathtub, bath chair, or other type of support you plan to use. As you shop around, you’ll discover many different designs on the market. Although you can save money buying generic items from the store, we suggest you buy the best you can afford. You want a bath seat or tub that is designed for your age and size baby. This way, he or she will have proper body and head support. Once you have purchased the item, take a few minutes to fully, understand how it operates, along with any safety precautions provided by the manufacturer.
We also recommend that you fill the tub or sink with cold water followed by just enough warm water to create the perfect temperature. In addition, avoid using running water while the baby is in the tub. For one thing, the splashing might make him or her nervous, which could cause problems for future baths. Secondly, water changes occur if the washing machine or dishwasher is running or someone flushes the stool, and so on. By having the tub filled first, you know the exact temperature.
Typically, four to five inches of water for a newborn is sufficient. This way, most of the baby’s body will be covered but not so much that his or her head is in danger of going under the water. As your baby grows, additional water can be added. A good rule is that bath water should never be more than waist high while your baby is in a seated position or more than covering the upper torso if lying back. Finally, while it might seem that a newborn should be bathed every day, the truth is two to three times a week is adequate. Anything more could actually cause damage to the baby’s sensitive and developing skin.