Bathtime with babies can be fun as well as a necessary part of their care routine. It’s also an opportunity to bond with your baby, but if they have sensitive skin, extra care needs to be taken to ensure that bathtime doesn’t become a battle.
Here are some steps you can take to keep your baby safe from irritants and other negative experiences, so that their bath is a calming experience that always leaves them (and you) ready for rest or play, rather than stressed and irritable.
Keep it short and sweet
If your little one has sensitive skin, introduce them to baths gradually. When they are very little, a top and tail wash with a sponge might be all they need. When you first give them a full bath, make sure that you are feeling calm and well rested yourself so that your baby doesn’t pick up on any tension.
Be brisk but gentle, and aim to have the bath finished within five to ten minutes. Talk soothingly and smile at your baby as you wash them to help keep any objections in check. Remember that this is a new and potentially alarming experience for them, particularly if their skin is sensitive, and it’s important to start off on the right foot.
Safety first
Above all, be sure to use lukewarm water that is neither too hot nor too cold: test it yourself with the inside of your wrist or elbow. When your baby is in the water, always support them with one hand to prevent slipping and provide reassurance.
Never be tempted to leave them alone even for a few seconds: if your attention is absolutely necessary elsewhere, pick your baby up and take them with you. While they are sitting in the bath, frequently squeeze out warm water from a washcloth onto the parts of their skin that are not in contact with the water to prevent them from getting too chilly.
Pick the right time
For the best experience, choose a time when your baby is already chilled out, and not hungry or overtired. This might be at the start of the day after a morning feed, or as part of their bedtime ritual to help them wind down and feel ready for sleep. It might take a while for you to settle your little one into the perfect bathtime routine.
Use mild products with a neutral pH
Soaps can be too harsh and irritating for babies, particularly those with sensitive skin. Instead, use gentle products that are specifically formulated for babies. You may wish to explore Mylk Bath Blend, which is made with 100 percent natural and cleansing ingredients including French white clay, colloidal oats and food-grade sodium bicarbonate.
Dry off gently but thoroughly
As soon as your baby is washed, lift them out of the water and pat them dry with a soft towel, paying special attention to the folds in their skin. You may wish to apply a light moisturising lotion if your baby has dry skin.
To help prevent rashes and irritation, dust some Mylk powder in the nappy area and other areas that are prone to holding moisture, such as the underarms and rolls of flesh around the legs or neck.
Write a comment