Bathing young children

Some parents choose to bathe little ones every day at this point, but unless your toddler has spent the day getting messy, sweaty, or dirty, a daily bath isn’t really necessary. A full bath should be given at least twice a week.

Water temperature

To prevent burns, set the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, never leave cups of hot liquid on tables or counter edges, and never carry hot liquids or food while holding your child.

Make the family tub safe

Bathtubs are incredibly slippery, so outfit yours with a rubber bath mat for more secure seating. A cushioned spout cover can protect your toddler’s head from painful bumps. Also, be sure that any sliding glass shower doors are made from safety glass.

Toddlers and bath time

Sometimes, for no apparent reason, your toddler may decide she hates having baths. Even if you don’t know why she is afraid, it’s best to keep her out of the tub for now. Forcing her to stay in the tub will only make the problem worse.

Bath time is unavoidable

If your toddler bath time has become a big and painful production, let your child know in no uncertain terms that bath time is an unavoidable part of his routine.

Visors for the bath tears

Some babies like the visors that slip over their heads to keep water out of their faces. You can find them at most discount stores like Walmart.

Bubbles in the tub

Try to make bath time really fun to distract her. Bring lots of colorful toys to the tub or sink, or try blowing bubbles.

Fun in the bath

At bath time, a pair of goggles in the bath can be their first introduction to swimming with their face in the water. They are great for practicing bubble blowing.

Bathing baby

When bathing, use a mild soap on her hands and diaper area. You can just use water on the rest of her body most days, unless she’s really dirty. Working from the top down, focus on the cleanest areas first, and move toward the grimiest (or poopiest).

Being afraid of the bath

Some toddlers become afraid of the bath. If this happens, take your toddler’s fears seriously, as they are very real to her. To help overcome a fear try taking a bath with your toddler.

Bathing dangers

The first and most important rule is this: Never, ever leave your baby unsupervised, even for a minute. Children can drown in less than an inch of water.

Bath ring help

For kids who can sit up, a bath ring suction-cupped to the bottom of the tub may provide you with an extra “hand”. But don’t let it give you a false sense of security –  it’s no substitute for keeping your eye on your baby at all times.

Soaking your tots

When bathing a tot, remember tots don’t need to soak like we do, so there’s no need to submerge them. But if your child seems cold, you can pour warm cups of water over her, slowly, to keep her from getting a chill.

Hair washing tip

Some babies like the visors that slip over their heads when being bathed to keep water out of their faces.

Hair control for kids

Protect against frizz and static cling. If your toddler has curly hair, there’s a good chance that it may become wild or unruly in rainy or humid weather.

Protect your child’s eyes

No toddler likes to get anything in their eyes. Consider putting a visor on her forehead or rinsing her hair while she’s leaning back to avoid getting water in her face.

How to avoid hair knots

Comb wet hair. As soon as you’re done washing and conditioning her hair, comb it with a wide-tooth comb and get the little knots out before they become big knots. Never use a brush on wet hair.

Supervision in the tub

Never, ever leave your toddler unsupervised in the even for a minute. Children can drown in less than an inch of water. Gather all of the supplies (soap, towel, etc.) you’ll need ahead of time.

 

Soaps, shampoos, and dry skin

Soaps, shampoos, and bubble baths can dry your child’s skin and may cause rashes, so use them sparingly.

They may also be irritating to the urethra, which in turn might increase the risk of urinary tract infections. To avoid having your toddler sit too long in potentially irritating soap-filled water, have playtime at the beginning of the bath, and save the soap and shampoo for the end.

From: babycenter.com.

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reducing possible scalding for baths

Put cold water in the bath first, then hot. This will reduce the risk of Tags: , your baby.

From: babycenter.com.