Moving Bath Time to the “Big Tub”
Your baby may be getting too big
for his baby bathtub. You can start
bathing him in the family bathtub when
he is able to sit up by himself.
Get everything ready before you put
your baby in the tub. First, get the soap,
washcloth, towel, shampoo and toys
together. Then run the water. Test it on
the inside of your wrist to be sure the
water is warm but not hot. If the water
feels hot on your wrist, it is too hot for
your baby.
When everything is ready, place your baby in the water. Be sure to stay
close to your baby while he is in the water. Never leave your baby alone
when he is in the tub. Do not turn away from your baby when he is in
the tub. A good rule is always to keep one hand on your baby the whole
time he is in the tub. He could slip under the water and drown, or he
could slip and hit his head.
Baths can be fun and messy, so enjoy this time with your baby. Play games
with him. Let him enjoy the water. Because playing in the tub can be
messy, put rugs or towels on the floor by the tub so the floor does not get
wet. You or your baby could slip on a wet floor.
Let your baby splash all he wants. As you wash him, talk and sing to him.
Give him a cup or toy that he can fill up with water and pour out. Put
floating toys in the water for him to reach for. Reaching for a toy will help
him learn to use his hand to find it.
Give your baby his own washcloth. Encourage him to wash himself as you
bathe him. You can make your baby’s bath a fun time for both of you.
This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow Smart—Your-Seven-Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.
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