5 Baby Bath Time Tips

Baby bath time can be a bit tough until you get the hang of it, but we have some tips that will help you get started on the right foot.

Head First. One smart mom I know offered a great tip for bathing newborns. Since newborns do not have head control, she washes her newborn's head first, while he's still clothed. Then she dries his head, takes his clothes off and bathes his body. This technique works wonderfully since baby stays warmer without a wet head.

Be Prepared. Collect all the items you will need for the bath - towels, soap, etc. so everything will be within reach. Once baby is in the water, you can't leave her, so do a little planning beforehand. You might also consider having everything handy for after the bath - a change of clothes and a clean diaper.

Be Gentle. Baby's skin is sensitive, so make sure you gently wash her with a soft wash cloth. Once the bath is over, pat dry her skin with a soft baby bath towel. Use a hooded bath towel to keep her head warm.

As your baby gets older, you will most likely add bath toys to the bath routine. It helps to keep your little one occupied while cleaning her up. Keep in mind that bath toys do have a tendency to harbor germs and mold, so follow our tips for keeping bath toys clean.

Dry bath toys. Squeeze out all of the water and hang them to dry in a net bag after each use to limit the probability of mold growing on the surface or inside of the toy.

Disinfect bath toys once a month. Depending on the type of toy, you can disinfect it in the dishwasher, washing machine or by soaking it in a bleach-water mixture.

Last tip: enjoy this special time with your baby! Take advantage of these moments you have to spend with your child. Once baby gets older, you'll be sure to look back on bath time as sweet memories.

photo credit: dchousegrooves