Splash Splash! A Complete Guide to Baby's Bath Time Essentials
- littleonesmum
- Mar 29, 2023
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 20, 2023
Bath time is not just an important part of your baby's daily routine, it's also a great opportunity for you to bond with your little one. However, as a new parent, you may feel overwhelmed with the number of products and accessories available in the market. Which soap or shampoo should you use? Which toys are safe and entertaining for your baby? How do you ensure that your baby's delicate skin is properly moisturised and protected?
1. Baby bath
Some parents prefer to bathe their babies in a baby bath or a big bathtub, while others opt for a smaller sink. When I was getting ready for my baby's arrival, one of the items on my list was a baby bath. I knew I needed something that would be compact and easy to store. After some research, I decided to get a foldable baby bath. Unlike traditional baby baths, which can take up a lot of space and may be difficult to store, foldable baby baths are designed to be easily collapsible and compact, making them ideal for homes with limited storage space.
I was using the foldable bath for almost four months, and I'm really happy with my choice. At that point, he was starting to kick a lot and move around more, and it became clear that he needed a bigger space to splash around in. So, we made the transition to the big bathtub in our bathroom. At first, I was a bit nervous about how he would handle the change, but he surprised me by taking to it like a champ. He seemed to love having more room to move around and play.
2. Bath Seat
One of the most helpful accessories I've found for bath time is the Angel Care bath seat. These seats are designed to support your baby in a semi-reclined position. Using a bath seat has been a game-changer for me in terms of being able to wash my baby with both hands free. It's much easier to reach all those little creases and folds when I don't have to worry about holding my baby up at the same time.
However, it's important to note that a bath seat is not a substitute for supervision. While it can be helpful, you should always keep a close eye on your baby and never leave them unattended in the bath, even if they're using a bath seat.
I've been using the same bath seat since my baby was born. It fits perfectly inside the foldable baby bath, and now that my baby is in the big bathtub, it works just as well there too.
3. Bath thermometer
Another important aspect of bath time is getting the water temperature just right. Babies have sensitive skin, so it's crucial to make sure the water isn't too hot or too cold. That's why I decided to invest in a bath thermometer to help me get the perfect temperature every time.
After doing some research, I settled on the Philips Avent bath thermometer in a cute flower shape. I loved the design, and it's been a reliable tool for me in ensuring that the water is just the right temperature for my baby's delicate skin. It's easy to use and read, and the design is fun and playful, which makes bath time a little more enjoyable for both of us.
Of course, there are many other bath thermometer designs available on the market as well. Some popular options include animal-shaped thermometers, like ducks, seals, or turtles. These can be a fun addition to your bath time routine, especially if your baby enjoys bath toys and accessories. No matter what design you choose, a bath thermometer can be a helpful tool in ensuring that your baby's bath is both safe and enjoyable.
4. Towels
After a warm and soothing bath, the next step is to wrap your baby in a soft and cozy towel. Soft towels are important not only for comfort, but also for protecting your baby's delicate skin. When it comes to choosing the right towels for your baby, look for materials that are soft and gentle, like cotton or bamboo.
I personally love using hooded towels for my baby, as they help keep his head warm and dry, especially during colder months. They're also convenient for wrapping him up quickly after his bath, which helps keep him from getting cold and fussy.
When shopping for baby towels, keep in mind that there are many different sizes and designs available. Some towels may feature cute patterns or characters, while others may be more simple and classic. Ultimately, the most important factor is finding towels that are gentle and comfortable for your baby's delicate skin.
5. Washcloths
Washcloths are another essential item for your baby's bath time routine. In the beginning, when your baby is a newborn, they may not want to be fully submerged in water or may still have their umbilical cord attached, making it difficult to give them a traditional bath. In these instances, using a wet washcloth to gently wash their body can be a great alternative. Washcloths are also useful for washing your baby's face and other delicate areas during bath time, as well as wiping away any excess water or soap. Make sure to choose washcloths that are soft and gentle on your baby's skin, and consider using them in conjunction with other bath time essentials for a complete and enjoyable bathing experience.
6. Muslins
Another helpful item to consider for bath time is muslin cloths. Not only are they versatile for wiping up spills or as burp cloths, they can also be used during bath time to provide your baby with a sense of security. By draping a muslin cloth over your baby's body while they are in the bath, they may feel more snuggled and less exposed, reducing the likelihood of crying.
7. Toys
Bath time is not only a chance to clean and soothe your baby, but also an opportunity for some fun and playtime. Bath time toys can be a great way to keep your little one entertained and engaged, while also promoting sensory development and motor skills. From bath squirters to bubble machines, there are a variety of toys available to make bath time more enjoyable for both you and your baby.
One set of bath toys that I love are the Finding Nemo bath squirters. These cute and colourful squirt toys feature popular characters from the Finding Nemo and Finding Dory movies. They're made of safe and durable materials, and can be easily squeezed and squirted to make bath time more fun. These toys are also great for encouraging imaginative play and developing hand-eye coordination.
Another bath toy that I've been enjoying with my little one is a bath bubble machine. This fun and interactive toy creates bubbles in the bath tub, which adds an extra element of excitement to bath time. With 12 different songs, it's sure to keep your baby entertained and engaged. Plus, it's a great gift option for any young child who loves bath time toys.
A cute whale LED light-up sprinkler toy is designed to spray water in different directions, creating a fun and interactive experience for your little one. They're also easy to use - simply fill the whale with water and turn on the button to start the light and water show.
If you're looking for a bath time toy that's both fun and educational, the Baby Einstein Rainbow Bath! book is a great option. This soft and waterproof book includes bright colors and fun illustrations, as well as textured pages that are designed to promote sensory development. The book is also designed to float in water. It is a great way to combine playtime with learning.
8. Toy Storage
When it comes to storing bath time toys, it's important to find a solution that not only keeps things organised, but also ensures that the toys can dry out properly to prevent mould growth. This is why I was thrilled to discover the Ubbi Freestanding Bath Toy Organiser. With its removable drying rack bin and scoop, this caddy makes it easy to store toys in a way that allows them to air out and dry up. Plus, the freestanding design means it can be placed in a location that's convenient for you, without worrying about it constantly getting wet and mildewy like some hanging nets can. And with its elegant and minimalist grey design, it's a stylish addition to any bathroom.
9. Bubbles
As a parent, it can be tough to find bath products that are both safe for your child's delicate skin and enjoyable for them to use. When we transitioned to using bath toys and a bubble machine during our little one's bath time, I knew I needed to find a gentle and effective bubble bath solution. That's when I discovered the Aveeno Baby KIDS Bubble Bath. Made with natural oat extract, this bubble bath is gentle and soothing for sensitive skin, making it a great option for little ones. And because it's tear-free, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free, it's a product that parents can feel good about using. Not to mention, the bubbles it creates are both long-lasting and enjoyable for kids, making bath time a fun and exciting experience.
10. Shampoo
Before my son Matteo was born, I did a lot of research on baby cosmetics and eventually decided on My Little Coco for its high-quality ingredients, great reviews, and lovely scent. I purchased the shampoo, body wash, body lotion, and body oil from this brand, but eventually had to switch out the body wash and lotion with La Roche Posay after noticing signs of atopic eczema on my baby's skin. While I still use the My Little Coco shampoo and baby oil occasionally, I've found that La Roche Posay is a better fit for Matteo's sensitive skin. It's important to remember that every baby is different and will react differently to different products, but overall, I would still recommend My Little Coco for parents looking for high-quality, gentle baby cosmetics.
11. Silicone Massage Brush
Using a baby bath brush is a great way to gently cleanse and massage your little one's delicate skin. When my baby was born, I didn't even know that such a thing existed, but after some research, I decided to get one. The SkinSoother Baby Essential is a silicone massage brush that can be used to clean the baby's body, scalp, and even help with cradle cap and eczema. The soft bristles gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting healthy skin development. The brush is also very easy to clean and sterilise, making it a hygienic choice for your baby's bath time routine.
12. Body Wash
After showing signs of atopic eczema on my little one's skin, I switched to La Roche-Posay Baby Lipikar AP+ Syndet Body Wash and saw a noticeable improvement in just a few days. As someone who personally struggles with atopic eczema on my face, I was already familiar with the effectiveness of La Roche-Posay products, so I decided to give their baby line a try. I highly recommend this body wash, especially if your baby has sensitive skin or is prone to eczema. While it may be a bit pricier than other options on the market, the 400ml bottle has lasted us almost three months, so it's definitely worth the investment.
13. Body Lotion
La Roche-Posay Baby Lipikar Moisturising Balm Ap+M is a body lotion that I use for my little one after every bath. It's a great moisturiser for his delicate skin and helps to prevent dryness and itchiness. The lotion is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving his skin feeling soft and smooth.
Additionally, I have found the La Roche-Posay lotion to be very useful after Matteo's swimming lessons. The balm helps to soothe his skin and prevent any reaction to the chlorine in the water.
14. Body Oil
I also use the My Little Coco Sleepy head calming baby oil occasionally for baby massage, as it helps to soothe and moisturise his skin while also providing a relaxing and bonding experience for both of us. It is made with natural ingredients such as lavender and chamomile oils to help calm and soothe baby before bedtime. I find it absorbs well into his skin without leaving a greasy residue.
15. Hair Brush
A soft-bristled baby brush is an essential item to have after bath time. It is great for gently brushing your baby's hair and scalp to prevent cradle cap and stimulate blood circulation. I personally use a wooden brush with soft bristles that I found to be gentle on my baby's delicate scalp. It's important to choose a brush that has soft bristles and is gentle on your baby's skin, to avoid any discomfort or irritation.
Bath time can be a fun and relaxing experience for both parents and babies. It's important to choose the right products that are gentle and safe for your baby's delicate skin. By doing some research, you can find products that work best for your baby's skin type and preferences. Bath toys can also add some extra fun and entertainment to bath time, but make sure to choose toys that are age-appropriate and safe for your baby.
.png)
Comments