How do you shower with a newborn?

Concerns About Showering With A Baby
Showering with a baby may make holding them difficult.

The following are the likely issues that could arise while showering with your baby.

* Increased risk of slipping while holding the baby
* Difficulty in holding the baby firmly
* Divided attention between bathing yourself and the baby
* Uncertainty about correct way of cleaning the baby under the shower
* Shower products irritating the baby

Precautions To Take When Co-showering

If you choose to shower with your baby, prepare yourself to keep the experience safe for yourself and the baby. The following precautions could make showering with a baby safe.

1. Shower mat: Before you head to the bathroom, place a grippy shower mat on your bathroom floor. The shower floor can get slippery after a shower, and a shower mat helps prevent accidental slips.

2. Shower gloves: You could consider wearing shower gloves, which could provide you a better grip while holding the wet baby.

3. Shower products: While co-showering, stick to using baby products for yourself and the baby. Using your bathing products, such as shampoo, could cause the baby to come in contact with the lather, which may irritate their skin. Choose products that are convenient to use. For instance, prefer using a baby shower gel, which can be dispensed through a bottle with a pump. It provides easier single-handed access to the product. Make sure you have the baby’s and your own shower products and towels next to you in the bathroom, so that you don’t have to leave the baby unattended in water to fetch those products at the last moment.

4. Shower water: You may prefer a hot shower, but your baby’s skin is too sensitive for it. Use only lukewarm water when having a bath with your baby.

5. Baby seat or bath tub: Use a baby seat or baby bathtub made of sturdy plastic material and place it on the stable bathroom floor. If your baby can sit, then you may consider using a mini seat. These provide a place to put your baby when needed. Remember to place one hand on the baby so that they do not lose balance while seated.

6. Shower towels: Keep separate towels handy for once you are done with the bath. Do not share your towel with the baby. Babies get uncomfortable when once their head and hair get drenched. It’s best to wash their head/hair at the last and then immediately wrap their whole body in a hooded towel.

7. Partner support: If you are not a single parent, you can always take your partner’s help. For instance, your partner’s hands would be dry, and they can wipe the baby with a towel after the shower. Never leave a baby unattended in the shower or bath area or near water.