When Can Your Baby Sit in the Bathtub?

There is nothing more exciting than welcoming a new baby home. After you get the baby home there are a lot of things that you have to learn as a new parent. One of the most basic things, which seems perfectly normal, is giving the baby a bath.  For some parents there is nothing as scary as bath time.

You obviously can’t put your newborn into a bath. So, don’t worry about putting your baby in a tub for the first couple of weeks, until the umbilical stump has fallen off. During the early days, a nice sponge bath is good. 

Once your little one’s umbilical cord stump falls off and the area is healed fully, you can begin giving your little one proper baths. This is the time to transition to a baby bather where your baby can easily recline and enjoy his/her bathtime.

At around 4-6 months, when your baby has some level of neck control should you think of putting your baby in the bathtub. Remember, neck control is an important milestone in determining if you can proceed with the bathtub or not. As a responsible parent, make sure your baby is ready for it. At around 6-8 months, a lot of babies start gaining neck control. They try to sit by themselves and can hold their bodies in an upright sitting position.

Keep in mind that you don’t introduce a very big baby bathtub when you are just transitioning. A lot also depends on your baby as every baby grows at a different rate. It is definitely about gauging what your baby can and cannot do.you dont intri

Use the baby bather to familiarize your baby to the bathtub

This is the easiest way of introducing the regular tub to your baby. Your baby should still feel secured in a comfortable environment while being introduced to a bathtub. Also, you can go with a normal washing regime but makeure that you use a bathtub.

Place your baby directly in the bathtub

This is a more direct way of introducing your child to the bathtub. But make sure that is perfectly ready to adapt to this sudden change. You can directly put the baby in the bathtub after checking the water temperature.

Make sure that there is not a lot of water in the bathtub at any time. Keep draining the water out and also keep pouring water on your baby so that he/she doesn’t feel cold while sitting in the bathtub.

If your baby can hold his head up and doesn’t show any signs of discomfort, it means that your baby has transitioned into this phase easily.

However, if you find your baby to be cranky or crying then its best to give her more time to be ready.

Take all safety measures

Even though your baby can sit on his/her own there is always a risk of bumping the head somewhere or slipping in the bathtub. These can be easily avoided by taking a few precautions.

Pre-arrange everything

Make it a point to keep everything that you might need during your baby’s bath time handy. So that you dont ever have to leave your baby unattended to get something. Keep his/her diaper, clothes, towels and soaps all within your reach. 

Your baby might be able to sit on his own but there is always a good chance that he/she might slip or bump their head somewhere. 

Make the bathtub slip proof

The bath tub is a very slippery place for the child to be. Soaps and shampoos can add to the slipperiness of the tub. Place a non slip mat at the bottom of the tub and keep your baby on top of it. You can also use an old towel if you don’t have a non slip mat.

Check the water temperature

Test the water temperature. It should never be too hot or too cold for the baby. Make sure to check the water temperature by dipping your own hand into it. Keep the water lukewarm. Do not boil or it might burn the delicate skin of the baby. Remember, an adult’s skin is more resistant to heat than that of an infant.

Make the move gradually

Proceed gradually. One of the most reliable ways to make a transition is to give time both to yourself and your baby. Give her time to adjust in the new tub with her familiar old settings, like using her baby tub or same set of toys.

Drop in your baby’s favorite toys or books

Making bath time interesting is a good idea to keep your baby engaged. Drop in a few water toys they love into the bathtub. They could be toys that float. They don’t necessarily have to be expensive. These water toys are generally made of plastic. Then there are plastic and rubber ducks that they can have fun with.  

In fact, if you baby likes to read and watch pictures, you can buy waterproof books as well from a store nearby or online.  

Conclusion

These are some of the tips that can be helpful to you if you are looking for a transition to a bathtub. Always remember that every baby is different. Some might adapt to changes easily while for some it takes time. You will be the best judge of the situation.

Always keep in mind that safety of the baby is the top most priority and use only mild tear proof soaps and shampoo to avoid any untoward accidents.