I remember bath time as a special time with my little one.
Like anything new, it took some time to work out a routine and for my baby
to get used to it.
Don't worry if it's a bit awkward for you at first, or if you baby doesn't
seem to care for it.
You aren't doing anything wrong.
You're just learning together.
Here are a few things I've learned that made bath time a
special time together.
A sponge bath is recommended.
I used a soft washcloth that was damp with water and not too hot.
I'd lay him on something soft and padded, make sure he was secure, that
the room was warm and not to drafty, making sure to clean between the folds
of the skin, especially behind the ears and under the neck.
And I'd have a towel nearby to wrap him up right after the bath.
Initially bath time was just long enough to wipe off any dirt, dried
milk, or peeling skin.
I didn't need to shampoo his hair at every bath.
Bath time was often tricky, trying to juggle what I needed and keep a hold
of my little one.
I learned to make sure that everything was handy within arm's reach so I
could keep one hand on my baby and still easily get what I needed.
Then I'd fill the tub with a couple inches of comfortably warm water.
It should be about 94 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit.
I used a baby bath tub, but a sink or a plastic tub works well too.
I'd make sure the room was warm enough, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit,
before undressing my baby and wrapping him in a towel to keep him warm.
To clean him, I'd use a soft washcloth or sponge, rinsing off each part in
turn, and then gently cleaning off any visible flakes of skin.
I was extra careful to go in between all the folds of skin, being sure to
check behind the ears, between the fingers and toes, under the arms, and
in the folds of the neck and thighs, where dirt or milk collected.
To keep his head above water, I'd make sure I had one arm
under him at all times.
Babies slip into the water in a heartbeat, so I never left him alone
in the tub, even for a moment.
If I had to leave the room, then I took him with me.
After the bath, I would gently, thoroughly pat him dry, making sure to
check between the folds of him skin, making sure he was completely dry.
As my baby got bigger and able to sit up in the tub, bath time became a
playtime, full of splashing and laughter.
We had a couple of toys, but empty bottles were his favorite.
He would fill them and empty them over and over again.
If we had bubbles in the bath, we loved making crazy bubble hairstyles,
the bigger, the better, and then laughing together.
Bath time really was so much fun.
Once he was dry, I'd put on a fresh diaper and get him ready for bed.
Baby skin is very delicate.
Keeping it dry helps to protect it, so it was always important for me to pick
the right diaper.
A good night of sleep means baby wakes up in a good mood.
And that's a good start to the day, so we tried to make
sure he slept in dryness.
I found a good quality diaper that pulled all the pee and wetness away
from his skin and kept it there.
It really seemed to help him get the sleep he needed.
Those are the best bath time tips I've learned over the years.
I'm sure you're developing your own as you love and care for your little one.
If you're finding it to be a challenge, try not to worry.
Each baby is different.
You'll settle into your own routine and have tips of your own
to share in no time.
On behalf of Pampers, this is Kathleen Fisher with Howdini.
Visit Pampers' YouTube channel for more parenting tips.