Soon my husband and I (and two sons) will be welcoming our third child into the family. It’s funny to think back to the days when we welcomed our oldest son, Kyle. As first time parents we were both oblivious to the change that awaited us. We didn’t really have any worries or fears, we just couldn’t wait to meet our little guy. Quickly, we realized that having a newborn wouldn’t be as easy as we had imagined. It’s funny to think that the thing we were most afraid of when we brought Kyle home was giving him a bath. Luckily, my mom was over and she did it for us. Overtime we got more and more comfortable and it became a fun daily routine instead of a dreaded “must-do.” Once we figured out how to hold him properly, how to wash him without getting water and soap all over his face / eyes and how to heat up the water to proper temperature without using a thermometer, it’s safe to say giving a bath is the least of our concerns as we welcome baby #3.
However, if you’re a newbie parent, here’s some great tips from our friends at Disney Baby on how to protect and pamper your little one in
the tub, and some adorable products to help you to do it! From towels and toys to cleansers and creams, Disney Baby has you covered.
Baby Bathing Tips
Tip #1: Start small
Your baby is little, so his bathtub should be too! When you start bathing a baby, it’s easier to do it in the sink, or using a small plastic tub. That way, you won’t have to kneel or lean awkwardly over the side of a big bath while keeping your baby upright. Some baby tubs, like this adorable Winnie the Pooh one, feature built-in toys, ensuring that bath time is fun for everyone!
Tip #2: Get some tub toys
For older babies, the bath can be a great place to learn and explore. Once your little one has graduated to a big tub, introduce them to some squirt toys, fun floaties or sponges. Disney Baby has a great selection of these, featuring characters like Nemo and Friends. Toys can keep your baby distracted and happy, helping make bath time a breeze.
Tip #3: Ditch the daily dips
Babies don’t need to bathe everyday – in fact, daily baths can dry out or damage your little one’s skin. It only takes two or three baths a week to ensure that baby stays squeaky-clean, as long as you stay vigilant about keeping face, hands and diaper area clean between washes. These Finding Nemo washcloths are the perfect way to keep baby fresh between bath times.
Tip #4: Lock in that moisture
If your baby does have dry skin, rub on a little moisturizing lotion, cream or oil post bath. There are plenty of products out there that both you and your baby can use!
Tip #5: Keep baby warm
Wet babies can become easily chilled, so throughout bath time it’s important to keep your little one warm. Ensure that bath water is around 37 degrees and that the air in the bathroom is comfortably warm as well. After the bath, wrap baby up in a soft, clean towel and give him a little snuggle! A Winnie the Pooh Bathtime Wrap keeps baby feeling cozy and looking cute.
What were some of your biggest fears when you brought your little one home for the first time? Do you have any bath-time tips to add?
Giveaway
One lucky winner will receive a Minnie 5-piece Clothing Set, Winnie the Pooh Clip-on Rattle and Hydration Bottle from Disney Baby ($65 value). Enter the giveaway via Rafflecopter below (please give it a few seconds to load). Contest is open to Canadians. Contest ends Thursday September 4th, 2014. Good-luck!
My biggest fear was giving her heart medication twice a day and was always checking as she slept.
I had a fear of protecting her head correctly!
I was afraid of doing something wrong and hurting my baby!
that i wouldnt be able to soothe my baby
I am entering your giveaway.
It would be great to win a Minnie 5-piece Clothing Set, Winnie the Pooh Clip-on Rattle
and Hydration Bottle from Disney Baby.
In response to your question of
As a first time parent, what was your biggest fear about bringing your baby home the first time?
My biggest fear was i might do something wrong and hurt my baby.
Thank you for having this giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!
My biggest fear was she would stop breathing at night
That something bad would happen to them.
My biggest fear is not being able to sooth them and SIDS.
I feel like they are so fragile. I was afraid that I will break them seriously.
That I would do something wrong and hurt them.
I was afraid if I wasn’t holding them properly
If I could really take care of this baby, I was so frightened at first
I was afraid of not knowing exactly what to do all the time.
my fear was that I was going to do everything wrong
Pretty much everything. it’s exciting and frightening at the same time.
My fear was that I would do something wrong and hurt them.
Our fear was not knowing what to do with her! My husband and I were never around babies so we were scared when passing her, when she cried trying to figure out what was wrong, giving her a bath etc
I was so exhausted I was afraid I wouldn’t hear her if she cried.
I was so afraid of driving the car with my newborn!
Wonderful tips and tricks! My Husband and I are expecting our first baby boy this November and baby bathing has been a debate in our home. My brother and sister in-law’s biggest concern was baby bath time and I’m afraid it’s become on of mine as well. I have spend countless hours researching and reviewing baby bathtubs and products. I have you tubed many videos and questioned family and friends on the do’s and don’ts of bath time! I’m sure it will come with time 🙂
Biggest fear was not wanting to mess up my kids in future and have a combative relationship with them like some of the moms I knew did. And just plain scared I wouldn’t know what to do.
I had a friend who had lost a baby to SIDS so at first i would keep checking if baby was still breathing, was so worried.
That i was going to be a good mother
I was worried about sids and dropping the baby.
My biggest fear about bringing home my first was just about everything you can imagine. He was born preemie and was the smallest baby I have ever held. I was afraid of hurting him just even holding him.
I was worried about dropping them.
My biggest fear about bringing my baby home was that she would stop breathing while sleeping. I must have checked on her a million times in the first little while…!!
I don’t remember having any ‘fears’ in bringing DD home.