Fun time bath time

While bath-time translates to fun and relaxation for us adults, it is often quite the opposite for babies. Bathing them is more of a parenting ritual than a regime for cleaning. They scream and cry just as we dip them onto the tub causing, if not anybody else, but their mothers to panic. If you're a first time mum, you need to know that there may be a few simple reasons for this.

Babies cry during bath time often because of the uncomfortable temperature of the water (either it's too hot, or too cold) or because your baby is afraid of being alone in the water. There is not one but many interesting theories suggesting taking a bath with your baby to make sure they're at ease in the water.
The direct skin contact with your child will allow you to share a deeper bond and in the process calm your baby while they take a bathe in the tub.

What else to try out during bath time? Nafisa Ahmed, mother of a 9 month old baby believes that playing music videos actually gets her baby girl happy and excited during bath time. Try singing your child's favourite rhymes - if that doesn't work, make up something that will.

Babies respond to rhythm and this might distract them from the unwillingness of bathing. Teach them to clap and splash on the water. Don't be afraid to get wet along with the little one. Let your child play with all the items you use for bathing your baby (except for the soap) - wash towels, loofahs, shampoo bottles, etc. Once your baby is familiar with these items, it is most likely that they will not resist from using them.
The best thing that works is releasing the bath time toys onto the tub. Plastic air balls, rubber toys (ducks, and other water creatures), plastic alphabets that your baby can play with while in the tub will add to great bath time fun.

Narrate stories while your baby engages themselves. This will make them more imaginative. You can make weekend bath time more fun for your baby by getting other family members (especially their siblings) to participate - you can wash the children, while your spouse may dry.

While fun is good, do keep a few things in mind while drawing your baby's bath: always check the water temperature before placing your baby on to the tub; use mild soaps and shampoos; there's no need to give babies daily baths during winter. Alternate between sponge baths and proper baths; make bathing short and sweet and keep bathroom doors and windows closed while bathing your baby; avoid extreme changes in temperature right after your baby's bath.

We hope this helps. Remember that it is only a matter of time that you gain full confidence of bathing your baby in the way they enjoy.  Bath time is a great way to bond with your baby. Release your stress and look forward to splashy fun time.

Model: Tavishee Tarannum
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed