Once your baby is three to four months old and has good head control, you can start using the big bath tub. Once she gets used to it, she will appreciate the extra room to play in the water. The same principles apply keep your baby warm before and after the bath, don't over fill the tub, and make sure the water isn't too hot.



Using The Bath Tub

Making the transition from thc baby bath to the bath tub can cause some babies distress, while others love it. It's a good idea to begin by putting the baby bath in to the tub the first few times so that the change is gradual and less frightening. Once your baby has gotten used to it and can sit up in the bath tub by her self, she'll begin to look for ward to it as part of her routine, and enjoy bath time games and play. You'll find bath time can become a riotous affair with lots of shouts and splashing, but the problems may come when you want to get her out. It's advisable to make bath time a part of your baby's over all bed time routine so that it acts as a clear signal to her that the day is over.

Safety First When you use the bath tub, bear in mind that your baby could drown in just an inch of water. Take the following precautions to avoid accidents.

Have all equipment on the floor beside the tub and change your baby there. It's safer than carrying a wet slippery baby to a chair.

Put a non slip mat in the bath tub.

Kneel on the floor to support your baby, and to prevent straining your back.

Never leave your baby alone in the tub, even if she can sit up.

You Will Need Non slip bath mat Sponge or wash cloth. Baby bath solution and shampoo face shield to protect her eyes from shampoo towel diaper and clean clothes.

Giving Your Baby A Towel Bath

Cleaning your baby by towel bathing her is half way between topping and tailing and a full bath. It's a use full method if your baby isn't feeling well or if she gets distressed when she's taking a bath. It's also much quicker and more convenient for you, for those times when she needs a thorough washing but you're short of time.

Making Bath Time Fun

Older babies really enjoy bath time, and it's an excellent time to catch up on your baby's developing personality and skills if you aren't able to be with her during the day. Bath time is a wonderful opportunity for creative play, and you can use it to help stimulate her development in a variety of ways. Babies love the freedom to sit in the warm water, and you'll find chat your baby will be endlessly fascinated by filling things pouring, and plashing water. This really is learning through play your baby is finding out about the properties of water and other liquids.

Help her to do this by.

Using simple house hold items like plastic cups and jugs or spoons and sieves to show your baby what holds water and what doesn't, and how water can be poured and stirred.

Introducing floating toys such as boats or traditional rubber ducks that your baby will enjoy handling.

Having fun with your baby by taking her into the bath tub with you have a lovely skin to skin soak together. Keep the water at an even temperature with a slow trickle from the faucet you should be lying with your head at the opposite end from the faucet.

Hair Washing

Even though your baby may love her bath, hair washing may continue to be a problem if she hates having water poured on her head or over her face, especially if it goes in her eyes. Don't worry; this is very common. Take your time in getting your baby used to water on her head and face, make a game of it by dripping tiny amounts over her head from time to time. Until she's more confident, you can simply sponge her hair clean or wipe it with a wash cloth. Some babies love having water on their faces and don't even mind it in their eyes. If your baby likes water, you can use a hand held shower attachment or a cup to rinse her hair and make a game of it. But even the mildest baby shampoo will sting your baby's eyes a little, so it's advisable to use a face shield to keep the soap and water out of her eyes until she's old enough to keep them shut or hold her head back for you. Dry her hair with a towel and brush it with a soft brush.

Father

Your baby will grow to love bath time, particularly if it is her special time with you. Encourage this bonding by handling her with confidence, the more often you do it, the less nervous she will be, Giving a bath is a positive way of contributing to your baby's care, and she'll know you're an equal partner in her life with her mother.

Make the most of bath time -

When you take a bath with your baby, lay her on your chest, half in and half out of the water. Smile and talk to her all the time as you clean her.

Splash water gently over her body care fully, avoiding her face. This way your baby will learn to enjoy, and be unafraid of, water.

Allow plenty of time a bath is not much fun for either of you if you have to rush. Remember, sharing a bath with your baby is also a good and enjoyable way for you to wind down after a stress full day at work.