tips from Lucy Fitzgerald
I am often asked if bathing a baby every day is really needed. After all, how dirty can an infant get?
Even at the messy weaning stage a good going over with a cloth would probably clean up the mashed sweet potato and peas fairly easily. But then, your baby’s bum has also been tucked up in a nappy all day so that needs a wash too.
By the time you’ve washed hands, bum, face (and maybe feet and knees as well once bubs is crawling) you may as well have given her a good dip in a nice warm bath. And bath time has many other benefits too. Warm water is naturally relaxing and calming. Which is just want you want before baby goes to bed.
Bath time is also a great opportunity for learning. A toddler may experiment with plastic beakers in the water, while a younger infant will gain just from the feel of the water on her skin.
And most importantly, the bath will act as a signal for your baby or toddler that it’s time for bed. In a world where language is only just starting to mean something and time is irrelevant, babies need non-verbal cues to prepare them for what is about to happen next.
Mini routines throughout the day, such as a nappy change, darkened room, and milk feed, let your baby know it’s nap time. Similarly, hand washing, highchair, and a bib tell your little one it’s time to eat. Babies and toddlers feel safe when they know what to expect.
The bath acts as a powerful sign that the day is coming to an end and it’s time for baby’s long night sleep. It mentally prepares your little one for what’s going to happen next. Which means she’s likely to go sleep with less protest than might otherwise be the case.
Given all the benefits of bath time, you are likely to do it every night for at least your baby’s first year. That’s 365 nights! So invest in a good quality towel that will keep your baby safe and that’s large enough to keep your baby covered and warm as she grows (a Cuddledry, of course!!). I also recommend using bath products that won’t irritate your baby’s skin. You won’t need to use shampoo or soap every night, but when you do, it’s best to avoid chemicals.
Here’s an example of a bedtime routine which you and your baby or toddler will love. You’ll want to adapt this depending on your little one’s age. But remember that it should be focused and not too long. 20 minutes for an 8 week old baby, moving to a maximum of 45 minutes for a toddler is ideal.
Bathtime
Play, splash and wash using baby safe bath time products. This is often a great time of day for dad to bond with his little one.
Cuddle
Cuddle baby up in a super soft towel and make sure you dry between her toes, under her arms and behind her knees.
Massage
A massage for a younger baby can be soothing and relaxing (especially if she has colic).
Lullabies
Some lullabies playing softly while you dry and massage baby can be calming for you both
Sleepwear
Look for sleep suits and pyjamas that are soft, comfortable and breathable – bamboo is a lovely fabric for baby sleepwear.
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bags keep baby safe by preventing her from slipping under the covers, they keep her warm and they act as a sleep cue. Merino wool sleeping bags will maintain your baby’s temperature in winter and summer so you don’t need to buy different togs.
Story
This is a great time to have a look at a little book with your baby or toddler.
Feed
You may want to feed your baby earlier in the routine if she’s hungry or likely to fall asleep while feeding. The milk and sucking will help her to relax. But don’t let her fall asleep on the bottle or breast. A baby who goes in the cot awake and settles herself to sleep is more likely to sleep through the night than one who relies on being fed to sleep.
Baby comforter
Hold a baby comforter close between you when feeding so she becomes attached to something that will help her to feel secure when you’re not in the room.
Lights out
Turn the light off and leave your baby to fall asleep. White noise can often help a younger baby relax and transition between sleep cycles at night. I recommend the sound of the sea because it calms babies without over stimulating them.
Written by Lucy Fitzgerald of Sleepytot - to find out more about Sleepytot see www.sleepytot.com
(Cuddledry Ltd. is not the writer of this copy and accepts no responsibility for its content. This article been contributed to Cuddledry Ltd. by the author detailed).
Written by Lucy Fitzgerald of Sleepytot - to find out more about Sleepytot see www.sleepytot.com
This article has been written by the Baby Gurus for Cuddledry
(Cuddledry Ltd. is not the writer of this copy and accepts no responsibility for its content. This article been contributed to Cuddledry Ltd. by the author detailed).