by Chrissy Harrison

Created on: February 08, 2008

Bath time with your baby, can be relaxing, enjoyable, and a fun experience for both baby and parent. Making sure your baby's bath is safe, can make the time even easier to enjoy. There are some dangers that some parents tend to forget or may not be aware of, and it is important that you make yourself aware of all the dangers that can be involved in giving your child a bath. Here are a few tips and suggestions on how to ensure a safe bath for your baby.

Amount of water:
For infants, bath water should be no more than an inch or two in the bath tub. If you are choosing to take a bath with your new baby, put the water to a comfortable level in which you will be able to feel safe in the bath with your child. For an older baby that can sit unassisted, you can raise the amount of water to a few inches or just below the mid-section of your baby. Never leave an infant or baby unsupervised in the tub for any length of time, even a few seconds. Even with an infant or baby tub seat. With a new baby, and before your baby is able to sit unassisted, you will also want to make sure that you can always have at least one hand supporting your babies body and head.

Temperature of water:
If you do not have a bath tub thermometer, you can check the temperature of the water by putting your wrist palm side up to test the temperature. A baby's sick is thinner, and a great deal more heat sensitive than an adults skin, and can burn a lot faster and easier. You will want warm water, but not hot, and the water should be no cooler than tepid or it may shock and scare your child. Always start and end the filling of the tub with cold water, that way will will avoid hot spots, or a hot dripping tap while your baby is in the tub. There are also bath thermometers you can buy that fit over your tub, that will let you know if your bath water is too hot or too cold. These cute safety features come in animals like rubber duckies or polar bears.

Supplies:
To make it easier on yourself and your baby, make sure before bath time that you have all the essentials you will need with you. For example, a couple baby face clothes, baby wash, a soft towel, cotton balls, baby bath toys, and a container to rinse with.

It is important to remember to make bath time fun and relaxing. It can be wonderful bonding time with your baby. So take your time, make sure you are repaired, and enjoy this time with your baby knowing that they are safe.

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