Hands up if you freaked out the first time you bathed your baby by yourself. What a coincidence! ME TOO! Our experience *may* have included Ryder peeing all over my chest as I cradled him. And sputtering the equivalent of baby obscenities as I poured water over his head. And screaming bloody murder as I tried to towel dry his tiny body. In fact, it’s best that I put the memory out of my mind completely.
Then again, it’s not like Ryder let the hospital nurse off the hook either –
Hahaha! True story, I just told Ryder that this is the same bowl we now eat popcorn in (it isn’t). I’m sure I’ve put him off popcorn for life. But seriously, is that really what 6 lbs 13 oz looks like? So tiny!!
Obviously, learning to bathe your baby can be a little scary – there’s a lot to juggle and of course you want to keep your little one safe. But as long you’re properly prepared, bath time can be a great bonding experience and a whole lot of fun! Disney Baby has some great tips 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.
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.
Were you nervous about bathing your baby for the first time? Do tell!
I have to say that we bathed all of our kids daily, mainly out of the wonderful bonding experience it was!
It is such a wonderful bonding experience :)
There is so much to learn as a new mom, it is a wonderful experience, but a tiring one.
Amen! One of the reasons I’m done having kids… I like to sleep!
so precious, oh those days I was so afraid the the belly button thingie when first bathing them.
Ah! Totally forgot about that… me too!
Goes back a long time (waaaaaaay back), but I was petrified the first time….especially with the umbilical cord “stump”.
YES! But only with my first… with my second, I hardly noticed/ worried about it.
good tips
I think so too!
such a precious picture
Thanks Jaime :)
I remember being pretty scared to bathe my babies. They are so wiggly and slippery. But look how precious he is. The popcorn bowl! Pretty funny!
Hahaha I JUST served Reid some popcorn… in a stainless steel bowl… perfectly timed!
It is definitely a learning experience but one you do get the hang off. Doesn’t look like Ryder was too impressed with his first bath..lol Popcorn Bowl…that is just too funny!
He took a long time to get used to water… in fact, he still isn’t a fan!
great advice – thanks! especially true about keeping baby warm.
For sure! They need snuggles at that age :)
The very first time I had to bathe my first baby, I was scared that I was going to hurt her somehow! Then, I got the hang ot it and it was no biggie!
They always appear so breakable, don’t they?
My first two children hated the bath when they were tiny, it definitely wasn’t a fun experience. When I was pregnant with my third it was something I was dreading. Then, when he was here, I realized how impossible it would be to bathe him in the deep tub we had, so i tried bathing with him.
His first bath was in the tub with me, and it was calm and warm and comfortable. We both loved it so much that it became a ritual we both looked forward to. I was less nervous because he was very secure in my arms, he was comfortable because I was, and the biggest bonus in his eye was that he could nurse on demand. Sometimes he would even fall asleep in the tub.
I definitely recommend bathing with your new babies, he’s now a year old and loves to splash an dplay with his sisters in the tub, and I miss our quiet times.
That is such a heartwarming story Jaymi, thank you for sharing!
tub toys are the best!
We’ve got a lot of them :)
Useful tips for new moms.
Yes they are! Thanks Disney Baby!
Great tips Lena! I hope poor Ryder comes around to eating popcorn again!
Haha he’s already forgotten about it!
Great advice Lena!! I busted arse trying to get their baths done quickly when they were little.
Ah, me too! In and out and done!
good tips and advice
Thanks Jaime!
Good tips :) I remember how nervous I was with their first baths… I couldn’t get them done quick enough!
Same!! Absolutely :)
These are great tips!
Thanks Victoria!
Excellent tips. Everything about being a new parents is nerve wracking
It certainly is. Bathing a newborn can be downright scary!
SO much learning as a new mom.. GREAT tips!
Thanks Darrah!
Great advice and such a cute baby.
Aw, thanks Chloe :)
I was in a panic the first time I bathed ny son. Was so worried I would hurt him. My pediatrician reassured me that he would survive no matter wat I did to him.
It’s so true! Babies are a lot more resilient than we give them credit for!
awwwww sweet .. i remember them days ,now i get to do it all over again with my Grandson , i always loved bathing my babies :)
So sweet! Have fun bathing your grandson!
My hubby did all the bathing with out daughter,I had strength issues,found out later it was MS
I am super excited my daughter is having her first a son in Feb. can’t wait for those first bath and cuddless.