Kristen Arnold

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How to Prepare for First Baby Bath Experience

The first baby bath may seem like a daunting task.  After giving hundreds of tub times, I can genuinely say that giving a baby a bath is one of my favorite experiences.  I enjoy the uninterrupted and focused one on one time. Being well prepared with the right mind set can help you enjoy your own baby bath experience and make bath time enjoyable and safe.

First things first, your preference on ways to bathe baby will be the first decision you need to make but may take some trial and error.   Do you expect to use plastic bath tubs, the kitchen sink or the big bath tub? There are different ways of using each depending on your home set-up and baby bath comfort.

In my eight years of parenting three children I have used 9 different “bath styles”. I started with the plastic bath tub placed in a sink or bath tub and once the baby enjoyed sitting unsupported we moved to the kitchen sink. Then eventually to the bath tub where they still enjoy spending time playing and splashing in the warm water. In this process I tried several different types of plastic bath tubs and bath tub inserts until I found what worked best for me.

Baby Bath Tubs

Plastic bath tubs- They have the most style options from all plastic, to foam backs for baby comfort, cups and valleys for water and holding accessories to foldable and expandable. They can be used in the bath tub, on a counter or in the sink.

Blow up bath tub- you inflate these soft plastic tubs and place in the large bath tub.

Baby bath seats- I feel very strongly about these and will not comment on them besides my own experience. I had one and used it when I had 2 kids under 2 and needed to bathe them in the bath tub at the same time. Please note: this was before any news came out about the dangers of bath seats. I would place my toddler in the bath seat while I had the baby on the bath sling and I can’t count the number of times the suction cups would let go and my toddler would flip over. I was always right there and easily flipped the seat back into position quick enough there were not even tears but after only a couple months it was packed in the trash can for the dump. The potential danger of these seats far outweighs any convenience of the product.

Bath extras- large sponges that you place in the tub or sink to cushion baby, mesh bath slings that you use to lay baby at an incline.

Of course, baby safety is the number one priority.  Select and use a bath style that you are comfortable with, keeps baby safe and fits your home set-up.

Baby Bath Accessories

Now that you have your baby bath tub gather the rest of your baby bath accessories.  Place everything within reach of bath tub so you’re not trying to stretch and NEVER leave baby’s side even for a second.

Soaps and Shampoos- simplify the process, for new babies I recommend using a tear free soap/shampoo combo.  A baby’s skin is sensitive and dries easily, pick your soap carefully.  After three children and hundreds of bath times, I admit that I found I prefer the benefits of quality organic bath products over drug store products.  I use and endorse Little Twig products and love their different “flavors” as my kids call it- Calm or Happy Baby Wash.

Does your baby have cradle cap?  Try rubbing a few drops of baby oil on the scalp before bath time to allow a little softening time.  Then wash out with the shampoo and gently comb with a baby comb- the flakes lift easily without irritating skin.

Baby bath towels- I had several varieties of baby bath towels when baby #1 arrived.  I found this the most frustrating part of the baby bath experience and of course, is what sparked my business so I have to touch on baby towels!

 By the time bath time is over your baby is most likely STILL crying and fed up with the whole process and all you want to do is snuggle them close to your body and calm them down in the safety of your hold.  Of course, once the baby is old enough to enjoy the bath, then they will be crying and mad that you are removing them from the bath.

Living in a small log cabin with no counter space I hated fumbling with the bath towel and trying to hold it between my teeth or under my chin and try to lift and wrap.  I always had dropped corners, a cold and now angry baby with limbs sticking out of the towel so that’s when we started creating the baby apron- The Tubby Bundle. The baby bath apron also saved me from changing my own clothes. Tadda! Problem solved. Now I produce them so you can bathe your baby with ease too! Ok, I’ll get off my soap box and back to the baby bath.

You can use any baby bath towel to dry your baby but I prefer the thicker and softer towels. Then you know your baby is warm and snuggly after the bath and you can take a few minutes to cuddle and calm before placing on a changing table to get dressed.

Wash cloth or Mitt- a simple wash cloth will work

After bath supplies- changing pad on a safe surface with baby lotion and powder, clean diaper, onsie and clothes.

Next Steps

Well, we now have the baby bath tub, the soap/shampoo, wash cloth, towel and a safe prepared dressing spot for after the bath – Let’s get started!

Kristen Arnold  is a mompreneur that invented the Tubby Bundle baby bath towel. She is the mother of three young children and lives in Massachusetts with her family and beloved animals. Known by family and friends as the Mother of Three- Goddess of Chaos, she recently started a blog that celebrates the imperfections of mother hood and the chaos and joy it holds. For more information on Kristen, the Tubby Bundle or article information please visit http://www.tubbybundle.com or email info@tubbybundle.com.