124: How to Bath a Newborn Who Hates Bathtime

Disclaimer – This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please contact a medical practitioner if you are concerned and have any medical issue.

Getting set up and organised to bath a newborn is an important step for your baby, keeping them healthy and clean. Not only will regular bathing maintain their wellbeing and hygiene, but it also has many emotional and cognitive benefits which encourage their development. All their senses that are used during bathing encourage your little one’s brain to focus and pay attention. Bathing your little one is extremely important and it has the added benefit of being a special time and an excellent bonding for parents.

However, I often talk with parents who find it hard to bath a newborn, with a little one who is clearly distressed and not enjoying the experience. Sadly, this often results in this becoming a trying, stressful time which in my opinion is a missed opportunity and very sad.

There is a lot you can do to bath a newborn and help your little one get used to and enjoy a bath and in this week’s episode of First Time Mum’s Chat, I’ve put together a number of ideas for you to try to help get them comfortable with this time and enjoy it.

In my opinion, there is no better time for parents to bond with their baby than when they bath a newborn during their bathtime and the tips I’ve shared are easy for you to incorporate into your bathtime routine. I’ve used these during my many years working as a childcare educator, and they have always been popular with both parents and babies.

During the episode, you’ll hear me share:-

• How often they should be bathed each week and why it is unnecessary to bath them every day. You’ll also hear me explain how bathing them too often can make them susceptible to various health problems.
• Why you need to plan their feeds around bathtime.
• A number of factors that could be causing your newborn to have negative associations with their bathtime. This includes tips around what temperature the bath water needs to be, steps you can take in your bathtime preparation and planning to ensure that their bathing experience is as relaxing as possible.
• How an understanding of the workings of their natural startle reflex can help give you an understanding of what may be contributing to problems with their bathtime routine.
• Tips that will help you ensure the correct amount of bath water is used and as well as ways you can position them in the water so they can be washed easily and effortlessly. I’ve included an inexpensive example of a baby bath support device that is available via Amazon below.
• Other ideas to help them feel more comfortable and nurtured during their bathtime so they feel safe and will relax.
• Important safety tips to ensure that your little one is kept safe and away from potential hazards during their bathtime.
• Ways you can make them feel more comfortable by being with them throughout their bathtime and help build and nurture that beautiful bond.

And much more!

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Read Episode Transcript Here

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