Having a bath together is a good way to bond with your baby. Babies love to lie on a parent's chest in the bath.
Bathing with your baby can also help you both relax and encourage breastfeeding.
How to bathe with your baby
You'll need another adult at home to lift your baby in and out of the bath.
Take the following steps:
- Check the water temperature using your wrist or bath thermometer - it should be about 36 degrees Celsius.
- Gather everything you will need before getting in the bath and place within arm's reach.
- Get into the bath. The water should be deep enough to come halfway up your bent legs.
- Ask the other adult to pass you your baby. Lay your baby on your legs facing you.
- You can start straightening your legs to lower your baby's body into the water, if needed.
- Gently splash water over them to wash them and their hair if you want to.
When it's time to get out, make sure there is someone to pass your baby to.
Important
Do not stand up in the bath while holding your baby.
Never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a second.
However you choose to bathe your baby, as time goes by you will become more confident in handling them.
Bath time should become a happy and fun time together.