While some babies like to bath, bath time is a cry fest for many. In such scenarios, mothers may wonder if showering with a baby is safe or not. Showering with their baby may be preferred by many mothers as it comforts the child and saves some of their precious time. Since babies want to be in the comfort of their mother’s arms all the time, bath time with moms around can be a pleasant experience. Read this post to learn about the safety tips and precautionary measures to keep in mind while taking a shower with your baby.
Is It Safe To Shower With A Baby?
Showering with the baby is safe, provided you observe all the safety precautions. Babies are usually best bathed in a tub where the water is stagnant, and you have better control at manipulating the baby. When you and the baby are in the shower, you may find it difficult to hold the baby. However, there could be other issues, too.
Concerns About Showering With A Baby
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. Remember to keep all the supplies, such as baby’s shower gel and shower gloves, handy before you begin bathing to prevent searching for them during a shower.
How Often Can You Shower With The Baby?
A newborn baby need not shower daily as a regular sponge bath is enough for them. If you feel they need a shower, you can bathe with them once or twice a week. You must only begin bathing once the baby’s umbilical cord stump dries and falls off, which is between one and two weeks of age (1). Give your baby sponge baths until then. Once the baby becomes older and reaches toddlerhood, you may bathe them more frequently. Speak to a pediatrician to know the ideal frequency of bathing for your baby’s age.
When Should You Avoid Showering With The Baby?
There are certain situations in which showering with your baby is best avoided.
Baby has the habit of pooping or peeing during bath You require specialized bathing products that are unsafe for baby Baby dislikes the shower The shower flow is too harsh for the baby’s skin During your periods
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of showering with your baby, then do not force yourself to do it.
What If You Do Not Wish To Shower With The Baby?
It is okay to not be interested in showering with the baby. Many parents consider showering with the baby out of convenience, especially when they are a single parent and cannot leave the baby alone. You may consider the following alternatives to co-showering.
You can bathe the baby the conventional way in a bathtub. Bathing in a tub also makes for good playtime for the baby.
If you are a single parent, then you may place the baby in their crib for a nap before taking your shower.
You may adjust your shower timings so that you take a shower at a time when your baby is most likely to be asleep in their crib and would not notice your absence.
