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Baby’s
bath time can be a great time for
bonding, and even the fussiest baby
can take pleasure in the experience.
As your baby grows from an infant
bath to the grown-up tub, What the
Stuff reviews all the products
you’ll need to keep your baby safe,
comfortable, and content while
washing off the dirt.
Many
items are available to make bathing
a safe, fun experience. Here are
some of the items you may think
about investing in to make baby’s
bath time enjoyable:
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Infant Tub: Until your
baby’s umbilical cord stump
falls off and heals, you should
not give your baby a full bath.
During this time you should use
a warm, wet washcloth just to
cleanse the baby’s skin. After
that (at about 10 days old), you
can usually bathe your baby in
an infant tub. These mini-tubs
come in heavy-duty plastic and
allow your baby to recline in
the bath without squirming away
– many times these mini-tubs
even fit in your kitchen sink.
Look for a tub with a
slip-resistant seat and a
contoured shape. Other features
you may find on baby bathtubs
include an area for soaps and
washcloths, collapsibility for
easy storage and handles for
carrying. As with any young
child, always test the water
temperature to be sure it’s not
too hot, and never leave your
child unattended for even one
second while in the water.
-
Bath Seat/Inflatable Bath:
Bath seats and inflatable baths
are best for babies who are able
to sit up on their own
(generally around 6 – 7 months
old). The suction cups of bath
seats attach to the bottom of
the bathtub and help keep your
baby in sitting position.
Inflatable tubs fit inside of
bathtubs and allow baby
additional comfort while not
having to sit on the slick
surface of the tub.
-
Tub Toys: From bath books
and instruments to car garages
to the good old-fashioned rubber
duckie, infants and kids love to
play while they’re in the tub.
Also, there are multiple
products available to allow toys
to dry after the bath, such as
pods or nets that hold the toys
and let them to drain.
-
Spout Covers and Mats:
These products help prevent
bumps, slips, and falls while
your child is in the tub.
-
Skin Care/Body Products:
Tending to your baby’s delicate
skin is extremely important.
Products are available in the
following categories to keep you
little one soft and smooth:
-
Baby Shampoo and Soaps:
Mild shampoos, soaps,
and bubble baths help clean
the skin without drying the
baby out. Also, there are
good-quality soaps and
shampoos for sensitive skin.
-
Ointments and Powders:
Skin care items are
important to have on hand to
prevent irritation and
diaper rash.
-
Baby Wipes: Not only
good for a diaper cleaning,
but when a bathtub isn’t
handy baby wipes can be used
for wiping up drool, food,
or any of the other little
(or big) messes your baby
may make.
-
Towels and Washcloths: Keep
your baby dry, clean and warm
after a bath. Hooded towels,
wraps, and robes are also
available to keep your baby cute
and cuddly.
-
Thermometer: Use a
thermometer or other temperature
monitor before setting your
child in the bathtub. Bath
water should be between 90 and
100 degrees Fahrenheit to be
safe (and warm).
This
list is provided as a guide to items
that are available to keep your
child comfortable, safe, and happy
while in the bath. Be sure to
always ask your pediatrician if you
have any questions with regard to
safely bathing your baby! |
