When you start bathing your baby regularly here are a few well-tested tips:

1. Choose a time when you’re feeling relaxed and not rushed; bathing should be a fun time for you and your baby. You could choose this time to be after a vigorous playtime so your baby is in need of a sit down!

2. Don’t bathe your baby straight after a feed or when she/he is hungry or really tired.

3. Take time to make sure the environment is comfortable, nice and warm, no draughts.

4. Involve dad or your partner as it’s a great opportunity to have special bonding time.

5. Get everything ready before you start as it is crucial that you don’t leave your baby unattended in the bath at any time. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Towels
• Soft sponge or wash cloth
• Clean clothes
• Nappy
• Bath toy
• Bath book (“The Flying Bath” is a particular favourite of ours)
• Toiletries (try our Earth Friendly Baby Happy Mandarin Shampoo and Body wash.  With its cheerful aroma, it is mild enough for daily use and ideal for nourishing baby’s dry, sensitive skin)
• Bath support for your baby so that you have two hands free to concentrate on having a fun time

6. Remember when you get your baby out of the bath he/she is going to enjoy being wriggly and wet so hold on tight to your sweet smelling slippery baby.

7. You could put a towel around your baby, and offer a breastfeed to help keep them still whilst you dry him/her.

8. In the bath your baby can help to wash themselves and will also enjoy lying down and swishing around, so make sure the water level doesn’t come past their ears. You can teach them to start learning to wash his/her hair.

9. Your baby will also enjoy pouring water over their head – plenty of bath time toys that help with washing and rinsing are a must.

A few safety points:

• Water temperature should not be too hot or cold. Test the water by dipping your elbow into the bath before you put your little one in. If it feels nice and warm to you then it should be fine. Your baby will soon let you know if she/he is uncomfortable, it’s a very common mistake for parents to make the water too cold and then wonder why their baby screams!
• Look after yourself. Your baby is bigger so you need to make sure that you are putting and taking your baby out of the bath carefully.  Bend at your knees, keep your back straight and be as close to the side of the bath as you can be. You could consider a small step so your baby can climb in – with your help of course – but remember to make sure the step is out of thier reach – also think about having a removable plug so they don’t flood the bathroom or get into the bath he/she has filled with hot water. Ask your partner to help if you haven’t got a step or you are unable to lift your baby in and out of the bath.

Your baby is really becoming an independent soul, full of mischief and raring to go,  so bath time is a great opportunity to slow him/her down, have lots of fun – you can always bath together, find out more about Co bathing here.

 A breastfeed at the end of the bath is a great incentive for both of you to enjoy this special time together.