Everything You Need to Bathe Your Child

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Kids come with a lot of stuff. When you’re expecting a baby, you’re supposed to make a baby registry and from the looks of things, you need a lot of gear! The truth is, you NEED diapers, wipes, some clothes, a couple of blankets and a crib or bassinet for them to sleep in. Everything else is convenient, and pretty much up to your budget. But if you want more, what is worth getting for bathtime? Here’s everything you need, plus what you want, to bathe your child!

When To Bathe

Did you know newborns don’t need frequent baths? And in fact, too frequent bathings can cause problems! Consult with your doctor about when and how frequently to bath your infant. A general guideline is that while they still have an umbilical cord, they only need sponge baths.

Bathe infants when they’re fussy! Sometimes a bath is just the right thing to calm them down and make them feel better. Massage also helps calm them, work out gas, and generally soothes your little one.

My mother always bathed me right before bed, and to this day, baths make me relaxed and sleepy. Add a bath to the bedtime routine for more zzz’s!

How To Bathe

Never leave an infant or child unattended in the tub, even for a few seconds. Put your phone away and pay attention! Plus, bath time can be the most fun part of the day!

Bathing your child is quality bonding time with them. It’s a perfect opportunity to focus all attention on them. Smile, laugh with them. Splash (carefully!) and sing and dance.

These sponges are like the ones the hospital uses and are great for gently cleaning your baby. I love the gentle massage and that they help with cradle cap.

After bath is the perfect skin-to-skin time with babies to help them keep their temperature regulated. Your body heat can help them stay roasty-toasty when you pull them out of the water.

Pat, don’t rub dry, and immediately lather up with lotion. This helps your baby’s skin stay hydrated.

Soaps, Shampoos and Lotions

Whatever products you choose, go for hypoallergenic. This will help keep your baby moisturized, smooth, and happy. You don’t know what they’re allergic to or what their preferences are yet, so keep it simple.

While all the Johnson and Johnson gift packages are beautiful and come in handy (my mom insists every new mom needs to carry this in their diaper bag) I prefer the Aveeno line of products. Here in Utah we have dry air that makes for dry skin, and the whole family uses the Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Lotion.

Toys

My advice is don’t waste money on toys. Yes, they’re relatively inexpensive, super cute and your baby will love them. All of that is true. And because that is true, you will be given some. For Christmas, my boys got bath toys from both grandmothers. Because they’re cute, inexpensive and the kids love them. And they love them!

But beyond that, the best toys for the bath are in your kitchen. Ladles, cups, colanders, sieves. These are awesome toys that teach mad skills to your kids. Let them bring their favorite toys (that water won’t hurt!) into the tub. My son brings his construction trucks about half the time and sets up a car wash for them. Since they’re usually covered in sand and dirt, I really appreciate him cleaning them up again!

If you’re going to buy any toys, go for alphabet foam letters and things with waterwheels. A toy organizer, however, is VERY useful!

Comfort and Safety

There are about 99 gazillion devices to make bath-time easier and safer. But nothing can replace you paying attention, and nothing should.

Things that make it a little less work for you?

Rather than a whole baby bath, I prefer to put a bath sling in the real tub until they’re big enough for the real tub. Despite the reviews, it’s not that hard to put together and it gives your baby lots of room to grow, stores easily, dries easily, and is comfortable. Put a little force into putting it together and you’ll be fine!

You will only need this for about two weeks (from the time they decide they like sitting up to when they can do without support) but it’ll save you a major arm workout for those two weeks. Or you could get the workout!

My son’s least favorite part of bathtime (which he otherwise LOVES) is washing out his hair. But if no water goes down his face, he’s great!

Yes, you could kneel on a towel or an especially plush bath mat, or you can consider your own comfort and get a bath kneeler.