As parents, keeping your kids squeaky clean may be the first thing on your mind. B
ut like all things when it comes to kids, it’s never as easy as it seems. Not only are they hard to get a hold of, but kids are constantly dirty from playing outside, rolling on the floor and exposing themselves to germs. However, being hygienic and safe has never been more important, especially for your little ones. Your babies may not be exposed to dust, dirt and the outside environment, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need a bath. But bathing an infant is a task and there are several things to keep in mind in order to do it right. Would you like to know all our tips and tricks to keep your baby clean and safe? Read on to know them all!
1. How Often You Should Bathe Your Child
Many parents feel the need to give their baby a bath every single day but this isn’t necessary at all! Unless your little one has mud on them or has a tendency to get really dirty, bathing them 3 to 4 times a week will do. When it comes to babies, there’s no need to bathe them every single day, especially because it may cause some skin problems due to dryness. Needless to say, even adult skin can become extremely dry after this type of obsessive skincare and children’s skin is way more sensitive than ours. So keep that in mind when you are scheduling baths for your tiny tots.
On the days that they don’t have a full body wash, they can simply wash their hands, feet and face, and any other dirty parts. But if they’ve got food in their hair and mud stuck between their toes, it’s time to give your toddler a quick shower. Make sure you don’t let bath time last too long. Just a 10 minute bath before bedtime should do. This is just enough for the water to stay warm, feel soothing, and be enjoyable, especially during the wintertime.
2. What Bathing Supplies You Should Have On Hand
Contrary to popular belief you don’t need an itinerary full of stuff just to bathe your baby. However, keep in mind that a toddler’s skin is extremely sensitive. So, when looking for a perfect baby bath sponge it’s better to choose something soft and hypoallergenic. Make sure that it is easy to clean, easy to grab and easy to hold onto. You can also buy one that is shaped like a dinosaur or a starfish. This will be a plus as your child will have one more little toy to play with while they splash around in the water.
It’s always a good idea to prep before giving your kids a bath. Make sure that all the necessary supplies are within reach of the tub. This is extremely important because a child shouldn’t be left unattended no matter what. So, keep all their soaps, shampoos, clean clothes, towels, blankets, and diapers within reach so that you can grab them without losing contact with your child. If somebody rings the doorbell it’s also necessary to take the baby out of the tub, wrap them up in a towel, and take them with you.
3. Which Areas You Should Be Paying Close Attention To
When you are bathing your baby special attention should be given to cleaning the creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck, and, in the private areas. These are the places where they hold the most amount of dirt so there is no need to wash their whole body every day. As long as you give them a sponge bath and keep these areas clean, your baby will be hygienic and safe. Once you have washed them, make sure you’ve dried them properly. Afterward, put a diaper on them and dress them.
4. How To Protect Your Baby’s Eyes And Ears
You may be wondering how to avoid the shampoo from getting into your baby’s eyes and ears so that they are safe and don’t cry during bath time. First, gently wash your baby’s head and hair, massaging it with the pads of your fingers or a soft baby hairbrush. Make sure your nails are clipped so that you don’t accidentally hurt your baby with them. Then, cup your hand across their forehead so shampoo or water will not run into the baby’s eyes. The best way to protect your baby’s ears when you are not washing their head and hair is to simply make use of a waterproof shower cap. They are cheap, easy to come by and will do the trick. This way your baby can slash around as much as they like without water clogging their ears.
Now that you know the dos and don’ts of bath time, keeping your baby clean will be easy and breezy. So, what is your favorite way of giving the little ones a bath? Let us know in the comments section. Happy parenting!
Source: momjunction.com