Does your baby hate baths? Many do and that’s why we’ve put together a collection of tips on ways to make bath time more enjoyable for everyone.
No where in the parenting books was there a mention of what to do if your baby hates baths. In reality, it was the complete opposite. There was plenty of helpful advice about how a warm bath calms a crying baby, relaxes them and helps them sleep better. But as a parent, what can you do if the sight of a bath makes them scream louder, they remain tense and cry for ages afterwards? Not to mention that your baby suddenly has more arms and legs than an octopus!
Mother and Baby Bathing together with MooGoo - Milk Wash & Moogoo - Scalp Healing Milk Shampoo
If Your Baby Hates Baths, Here’s What to Do
Not every baby enjoys a bath, and that’s fine. After all, not every adult likes one either. The issue is though, a bath is the most effective way to keep a baby clean, especially after a poo tsunami. If you are the parent of a bath hater, here are some suggestions you could try to improve the experience for everyone:
Only bathe when your baby is well-rested and full. This means waiting till after a feed and in the time before they get tried.
- Start slowly. Instead of putting your baby into a baby bath full of water, put them into an empty bath first. In another container, have the warm bath water ready and slowly pour it onto their toes or hands. This way there is not a huge shock of being placed into the water at one time.
- Consider the environment. Is the bathroom too cold? Does the noise of the running taps sound too scary? Is there an echo? Often it could be the place the bath is which your baby may hate.
- Bring on the distractions. This can mean singing and talking to your baby throughout the bath. You could also try some bath time toys, toys that do not retain water inside them to turn mouldy!, Listening to music or gentle water splashing noises too.
- Keep things warm. Babies feel changes in temperature very quickly. Make sure the room is kept warm, the water is the right temperature and there is a nice fluffy towel for afterwards.
- You could even try wrapping your baby in a warm wrap naked, and then putting them wrap and all into the water.
- Share the bath. Have a bath with your baby, skin to skin. This can help them feel very relaxed and comfortable.
- Don't forget about safety! Sometimes your little ones feel uncomfortable because they may feel unstable in a bath. We have the perfect solution with our best selling Boon RIPPLE Bath Mat. Traditional bath mats are too small (annoying), they’re stiff (ouch) and water gets trapped underneath them (nasty). Well, no more. RIPPLE covers a large portion of your tub, has a super soft textured surface to prevent slipping and, get this: features a built-in hook for hanging and drain holes that expel water. The effect on bath time is gonna be epic!
If you’ve tried all of these, head over and chat with the parents in our Sleepytot Facebook group.
They’re a lovely bunch of friendly parents who can offer support on pretty much any parenting issue under the sun!
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