It can be difficult to find the time to shower when you have a baby.If you don't like leaving your child alone in the crib while you wash them, it's even worse.It is okay to shower with your baby if you take precautions.If your baby's cord has only recently dropped off, you need to get the all-clear from your doctor.You can wash your baby at the same time while you co-shower, and it's a great way to bond with your child.
Step 1: Wait until your baby's cord stump drops off to try the shower.
It is important to keep the area dry until the baby's cord falls off.Sponge baths for your baby are the best way to avoid belly button infections.When the baby is 1-2 weeks old, the cord stump falls off.Give your doctor a call if you have any doubts about the healing of your baby's belly button.They can tell you if it is safe to shower with your child.
Step 2: If your shower doesn't have a slip-proof floor mat, put it down.
If you are holding a baby, the showers can get slippery.A nice mat that sticks to the floor of the shower is a must for co-showering.Make sure the mat doesn't slip on the shower floor by testing it.Outside the shower, there is a slip-proof shower mat.You don't want to lose your footing stepping out of the bath with a baby.
Step 3: The water should be warm to prevent the baby from being shirred.
Hot water is too hot for your baby's delicate skin, even if you enjoy a steaming hot shower.The water should be no warmer than 100 F.It should be warm on your hand and wrist.Make sure your water heater is set to 120 F.If the water gets hotter than that, it could cause burns to your baby.Buy a baby bath thermometer online or from a store that sells baby supplies if you don't know whether the water is safe.The exact water temperature can be easily checked with the thermometer.Make sure the water is not too cold.If you keep your baby in warm water, they won't get cold in the shower.
Step 4: Put on shower gloves to improve your grip.
You can use shower gloves to wash your skin and baby.It's much easier to hold onto a wet baby in the shower.Most stores that sell bath and body supplies sell shower gloves.Extra soft baby bath gloves can be found in the baby section of your favorite store.
Step 5: You need to step into the shower before grabbing your baby.
It is a good idea to step into the shower stall before you pick up your baby, as this is even more important when you are climbing into a tub.It will be less likely for you to slip with your baby in your arms.Once you are in the shower, reach down to pick up your baby in a baby seat or rocker.If you have a partner, co-parent, or another adult with you in the shower, you could ask them to give you the baby.
Step 6: You don't have to use both hands with shower products with pump dispensers.
It is a good idea to keep at least one hand on your baby when you bathe or shower.If you want to avoid the struggle of trying to hold a baby and squeeze a bottle at the same time, you should.If you want to get what you need one-handed, go for products with pumps on them.You can buy empty pump dispensers online or at a store that sells bath and body supplies.Before your first shower with your baby, transfer the product into the new container.You can buy dispensers with motion detectors.
Step 7: The baby-safe products you use to wash your baby are gentle.
An infant's sensitive skin, hair, and eyes may make adult washes too harsh.Bring your baby's bath products into the shower with you.If you want, you can use your own hair products.It won't hurt your hair, but it may not cleanse and condition it as thoroughly as your usual products.If your baby's skin gets dried out after a bath or shower, have some mild, fragrance-free baby lotion on hand.After you get out of the shower, rub it on their skin.
Step 8: Hold your baby with one hand and clean it with the other.
When you are ready to wash your baby, hold them securely with one arm and pump a small amount of baby wash onto a towel or bath glove with your other hand.You can gently wash your baby's hair and skin with that hand.They should wash their diaper area.Taking care not to get water or soap in their eyes, rinse them under the shower.One secure and easy way to hold a baby is with a football hold, which means resting the baby's head on your hand and their back, and pinning their buttocks against your forearm.When rinsing your baby's hair, shield their eyes with your hand to keep water and suds out.You can wash yourself with one hand and hold the baby with the other.
Step 9: Before you leave the shower, make sure your baby is outside.
You should reverse the process you used to get into the shower.Put your little one in a dry towel and swing outside the shower.If you step out of the shower, you can pick up your baby and dry them off.Before you step out, hand the baby to another adult.Ask them to wrap your baby with a towel.
Step 10: Leave the baby in the shower.
It is very important to be with your baby or toddler at all times when they are in the shower.Take the baby with you if you have to step out.Babies and toddlers can slip and hurt themselves in the shower, even if you leave them sitting in a sling or baby tub.They can drown in as little as 20 seconds.
Step 11: When you get out, have fresh clothes and towels.
Take a few minutes to get ready for the shower.Clean towels, a change of clothes, and a fresh diaper are some of the things you will need when you get out.If your baby is upset by the water, you can wipe their face dry with a dry towel in the shower.You can use the towel to get rid of suds in their eyes.
Step 12: If possible, have your partner or co-parent join you in the shower.
A family shower is a great way to bond with your baby.It will make it easier to wash your baby.Ask your partner or co-parent to join you in the shower with you and the baby.You can pass the baby back and forth while you wash yourselves.If the baby gets upset, your partner can take him out of the shower and let you finish.
Step 13: When you and your baby are relaxed, choose a time.
It is not a good time to attempt your first co-shower if you are rushing to get a million things done or if your baby is tired.Pick a time when you won't feel rushed during your shower if you wait until you and your baby are both calm and relatively well-rested.You don't know how babies will react to the shower until you try it.If your baby is tired or cranky, you can try showering with them.It's possible to incorporate a shower into your nightly routine.You can give your baby a snack, then shower with each other and read a story.Consistency will make it easier to sleep.
Step 14: It's a good idea to ease your baby into the shower first.
They might find the water startling when you shower with your baby.The spray from the shower doesn't get into your baby's face or hair if you hold them in the water gently.Don't try to get your baby to stop crying.You can try to shower with them again.
Step 15: Take showers with your baby until they get used to it.
Don't try to do an hour-long shower with your baby if they do not mind the water.If they start to get upset, step out or hand them to another adult and hold them in the shower for just a few minutes.The baby will not associate the shower with being scared or stressed out.There is no need to rush if your baby is having fun.Relax with your baby.
Step 16: The baby is in the shower.
Do your best to make bath time enjoyable for you and your baby.If you have a baby or toddler in the shower, you can allow them to sit or stand on the floor.Give them a few bath toys to keep them entertained while you wash up. You can also hold your baby, sing to them, and encourage them to play with the water.Positive associations can be formed with being in the shower with you.You could encourage your baby to dip their hand in the water by standing outside.When they touch the water, cheer and laugh.When you are in the shower, talk to your baby in a happy voice.They will pick up on your mood and make you feel better.