Jun 26, 2009

Tips-N-Tricks: Bathing

Here's what's worked for me for bathing baby Janers...

I've been bringing her in the bathtub with me. She loves it and I love the bonding time! We have a corner jacuzzi, so before I get in with her, I set out a nice big towel on the corner "seat" of the jacuzzi so I can wrap up Jane right away so she doesn't get cold. It is so easy to bathe her this way. She basically floats around and I just support her head to make sure she doesn't turn her head into the water, which she's tried to do 100 times. When I want to suds her up, I put my legs together and let her lie between my legs, supporting her head my my hand and thigh.

I found this much easier than putting the baby bathtub inside the tub and having to lean over the edge of the tub, or using it on a counter/sink. I think it's also safer than bathing in the sink which, once she started lifting her head and squirming (basically day one), I was too worried she'd bang her head on the sink or faucet.

Most importantly, Jane enjoys bathing this way more. She is completely relaxed... when I let her float, lying with her scalp in the water, she kicks her legs out, stretches out her arms and coos the entire time! She'll lie on my chest with her bum in the water, completely wide-eyed and awake, forever. She's yet to cry getting bathed this way.

With a smaller tub, it may be safer to have Daddy do the baby exchange with you, letting you get in/out solo. My large tub allows me to move easily into and out of the tub safely with Jane in my arms. Would be a good idea to get stickies for the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping also.

Jen :)

PS - To pre-answer this question, NO, Jane has not pooped/peed on my in the tub... I don't think you should worry about this. :p


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5 comments:

youngmommyof2+1 said...

I would totally recommend splurging and getting a sea sponge to bath baby in, they are so soft and lather baby wash up so nice, It was recommended in a Today's Parent magazine when I was pregnant with my 1st (2004) and i've never looked back after buying my first one, we're on baby #3 and its one of my must haves!

Jen said...

That's a good idea as I find the baby wash doesn't lather at all on it's own... soon as it hits the water, GONE! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I have been bathing with Noah since he was 3 weeks old, he is now almost 7 months. In the beginning he hated the bath since you cant really cover them well in the infant bath and he was always cold! Ever since we made the switch he loves it. He can sit up on his own now, but in the tub it gets too slippery and he loses his balance but soon he'll be able to do it on his own.

As for needing hubby to do the pass off, we have a bouncy seat right outside the tub. I just put him in that and hop out.

Ange said...

Thanks so much for your posts! I just had my baby girl last week and have found your posts so helpful!
Jane is beautiful by the way!!
Ange

Jen said...

Having the bouncy seat right outside the tub is a great idea! May do that when Jane's a little older.

Congrats on your baby girl Ange - looking forward to seeing pictures on your blog!

Jen :)