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Nerve-wracking but necessary, your baby's first full-body bath is a big event. Since he was born, you've been giving your baby sponge baths, but, before long, it's time to pull out the tub and introduce him to what will hopefully be years of soapy, splashy fun to come.
The timing of the first bath has traditionally been after the umbilical cord stump falls off, and a boy's circumcision has healed fully. Some experts, however, such as William Sears, M.D., say that there's likely no danger in bathing a baby who still has his cord stump.
But why bother? Even Sears says that many babies are overwashed (really, they don't get dirty until they start rolling around on the floor)....
It is up to you to equate bathtime with fun. Sing your baby through the bath from the beginning and then the positive associations will begin early on. When your baby is old enough to play, incorporate bath toys into the mix. Little rubber animals work great as does a mini beach ball. This will help make bathtime something your baby looks forward to.
As for washing, make sure to be very gentle and remember that most of us have a tendency to oversoap but babies don't get that dirty. Their hair doesn't need shampoo each day and their bodies need little soap. As long as their hands get clean, and their bodies and hair get wet, you are most likely all set.
Archer hated the bath for months. Bathing him was a nightmare so we turned, instead, to showers. He would sit with me on the mat and enjoy the water hitting his little body. And now that he stands and walks and is a big kid, the shower is a delight, instead of a war. (Sometimes you have to pick your battles, right?)
For any of you dealing with bath-time as a hard time for your kids, I suggest skipping the bath and going right for the shower. It's worked for us/works thus far. Although, come to think of it, it would be nice to be able to take a shower in peace. (Ah, the good 'ol days...)
-Rebecca @ Girl'sGoneChild
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August 15, 2007
Bathtime: It's a Gas-Gas-Gas
The kids sat in the bathtub for 45 minutes last night.
Would you like to know why they soaked so long?... read more
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