Ideas and Tips for Making Baby Baths Easy, Fun and Stress-Free

The independence your baby is gaining as the months go by is enough so it can turn itself into a sticky gluey mess but not enough to wash itself up after the adventures are done. That part of the job is yours and oh how challenging and ungrateful it can be sometimes. Toddlers, starting to walk in their 2nd (or even 1st ) year of life and are drawn to every opportunity to touch whatever they can get their hands on. They don’t have time to waste thinking of when you planned their next visit to the toddler bath tubs.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Baby?

It goes without saying that sometimes, a bath is unavoidable. Your messy bundle of joy will speak (or smell) of itself. However, when we’re talking about a bathing routine, the answer to this question varies depending on every parent or grandparent you ask. On the other hand, dermatologists have stated their opinion: 2-3 baby baths weekly are enough. A baby’s delicate skin doesn’t need daily washing. Also, it needs the germs that reside on it. It’s important, especially for toddlers with developing immune systems, to be in contact with microorganisms.

Moreover, head lice actually prefer clean hair so washing your child’s hair on a daily basis will do more harm than good. Choose milder baby products with no added fragrance to keep your baby’s skin soft and smooth. Moisturizing right after a bath will lock in the moisture. Getting wet doesn’t necessarily mean being clean. The baby bathtub is the next appropriate destination after the swimming pool or ocean as the chlorine and salt can be damaging for a baby’s gentle skin.

Eczema and other skin conditions might worsen if you bathe your baby every night as too much hot water and soap can worsen skin dryness.

Why Do Some Babies Hate Baths?

Besides the standard “I don’t want to be interrupted while I’m doing my thing”, there are other reasons that you might find unusual or imaginary but they are actually very real for your baby. Small microscopic black dots in the reflecting water seem like bugs to little kids. Some might fear bedtime that comes right after bath time more than they hate bathing itself.

Children are very sensitive to pain and the memory sticks with them. Fear of getting soap in their eyes or slipping might be overwhelming, even if they had only one bad experience in the past. Additionally, your baby might have sensory issues related to the temperature, sound and even feeling of water.

Here are some tips on how to make your baby stop the fear or even get your baby to love bathing:

Choose the Right Baby Bath Tub

There is a difference between infant and toddler bath tubs. Infant bath tubs usually come in the form of sink or tub bathers, ideally sized to fit both newborns and infants while fitting perfectly in your sink or tub. They could be padded with plush or other materials that are supportive of the infant’s body. You can buy baby bath that features 2 recline positions, making the bath more comfortable. Toddler tubs are larger and usually made of plastic. Although their durability, roominess and added shelves make them convenient for both you and your toddler, they might be less safe for infants.

Luckily, the convenience of the 21st century offers baby baths with features of both infant and toddler bath tubs, making you all set for the first couple of years. Get a lightweight, flexible and foldable baby bath suitable from birth to four years. The space-saving design makes it easy to store and convenient to use at home or take with you while travelling. Some toddler bathtubs even come with a heat-sensitive drain plug that changes colours when the water gets warmer, letting you now that the water temperature needs to be checked.

Use Bath Toys

Choosing the wrong toy can turn bathing time into a disaster. Skip small toys as they are a choking risk. Get toys that are BPA, phthalates and latex-free, making them extra safe for your little one. Make sure the bath toys don’t retain water as that enables the growth of mould, fungus and bacteria. Furthermore, there are tub toys that can turn baby bath time into both an entertaining and educational experience. Bath puzzles help improve fine motor skills and stimulate creativity and imagination by the assembly of different shapes.

If your munchkin keeps turning the toddler bath tub into a toy box, get soft foam bath toys that stay afloat, keeping them always within reach of your darling’s fingers. You could even get a tub toy organizer that not only leaves you with less mess to clean up but also allows bath toys to properly drain and dry.

Try Baby Bath Accessories

Think of them as your little helpers. Even super-moms and dads need sidekicks.

Although many modern infant and toddler tubs have a non-slip base, you should opt out for the more affordable baby bath mat if you’re not in the position of purchasing one at the moment. Choose one that’s extra-large to cover the bathtub completely, unlike the standard bath mats we’re used to. A soft textured surface will help prevent slipping while suction cups will keep the mat in place. The extra drain holes reduce mould and mildew.

For cry-free baby baths, get a rinser or a bath jug that allow a steady flow of water and help direct it away from the eyes. For stress and pain-free baths, get a folding bath stand. It lifts the bathtub at waist level, perfect for parents with bad backs or moms who had a caesarian section. A folding bath stand will keep you focused on your little one instead of your back pain, allowing both of you to have a positive experience.

Turn Bathing Time into Bonding Time

You can use the bathing time to read stories, sing songs and play games. This will not only grab your child’s attention and put it at ease but also create positive memories regarding baths as their favourite person is making them fun. Although you would need larger a larger toddler bathtub, bathing siblings together is always great for bonding. This can take away the fear of the younger child as it sees its bigger brother or sister having a grip of the situation or even having a blast.

Last but not least, get in the tub with your bub. Skin to skin contact soothes your child and bathing with you is as safe as it can get in its eyes. It might not be as relaxing as a hot tub but the level of satisfaction you both achieve is much more rewarding.