I remember the first time I gave my daughter Madi a bath, I was nervous! Despite being a physician I remember forgetting to have a towel nearby, and a clean diaper. Thankfully, my husband was with me when we were bathing Madi so he could go and grab all the stuff we forgot. As the first few months of parenthood passed, we learned how to streamline the baby bathing process remembered to have everything we needed close by! These are my tips for bathing your baby:

• Choose a baby bath that is easy to clean, and stable and secure. I recommend baths with a non-slip bottom to prevent your baby from sliding in the tub. Baby baths that come with built-in support to help keep your baby in a safe position are also helpful.
• Before starting the bath, make sure you have everything you need for the bath within arm’s reach: soap, washcloths, towel, diaper, moisturizer and a change of clothes.
• Before putting your baby in the water, check the water temperature with your elbow. It should feel warm, not hot. If you have a thermometer the optimal temperature is around 37-38C.
• Also remember, you don’t need to use soap everywhere, just in the soiled areas. Make sure to use soap at the end of the bath so the infant is not sitting in soapy water as this can dry out the skin. For bathing products, I look for products that have been reviewed by physicians and for hypoallergenic formulations. The by Dr Mom Beta Glucan bath is designed by a team of physicians at the University of Alberta and contains concentrated beta glucan, a fiber that has been shown to improve skin healing and hydration. I also check labels to make sure that products are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates or dyes. These ingredients can be irritating for skin!
• After bath time, pat dry skin with towel as rubbing the skin with a towel can cause skin irritation.
• Apply moisturizer right after patting dry. Wrap up your baby right away with a towel and change into clothing as newborns lose heat quickly. Although I love scents, it is best to look for moisturizers that are fragrance free or avoid common fragrance allergens. Fragrances can be irritating for delicate baby skin.
• Make sure to always be in arm’s reach of your baby and never leave your baby unattended.

Baby safety was and will always be a number 1 priority to us. These are my top 3 baby bath time safety tips:

1. Always supervise your baby or toddler closely during bath time. Never leave them unattended as accidents can happen quickly, and water poses a drowning risk. Stay within arm's reach and keep your full attention on your child throughout the bath.
2. Check the temperature before putting your baby or toddler in the water. I would check the water temperature with my elbow. It should feel warm, not hot. If you have a thermometer the optimal temperature is around 37-38C.
3. Make the bath environment safe. If your baby is in a baby bathtub, make sure the bathtub is placed in a safe area, the floor is best. Keep bath products and toileties out of reach as curious babies and toddlers may grab these items that could pose a danger.

When transition a baby from the baby bath to an actual bathtub?

There is no defined age or timeline to transition from using a baby bath to an actual bathtub as babies develop at different rates. One developmental milestone that a baby should have before moving to a bathtub is being able to sit upright independently. This typically occurs around 6 months of age. Even if your baby is able to sit upright, it can be beneficial to include a baby bath seat or non-slip bath mat for extra support and prevent your baby from sliding around. Always remain within arm’s reach of your baby when they are in the bathtub.

When your baby is ready to transition to a bathtub make sure the bathtub is clean, free of any sharp or dangerous objects, and ensure that faucets and handles are covered or padded to prevent injury. When filling the bathtub, fill to an appropriate water level.  When my children were babies, I filled up the bathtub to no more than 1-2 inches of warm water. Remember if your little one is showing signs of discomfort or fear, they may not be ready for the bathtub and may need more time in the baby bath.