Getting into the Bath

By now you have everything prepared and you are ready to get into the water!

The safest way to commence the next step would be for one parent to start by entering the bathtub and sitting securely, while someone else hands them the baby.

Depending on your bathtub and if you feel confidant, you may choose to practice this exercise on your own. In this case, safety is the most important aspect to consider. Hold baby carefully while stepping in. You may also choose to get in and then reach for baby, either way, be mindful that babies can be very slippery when wet. When you are ready, slowly and carefully bring baby into the bathtub.

Helpful Hint: as much as possible avoid putting lotion on them the day before.

Starting slowly will help baby to get a positive start to water introduction. As you slowly bring baby into the water help them by:

• Holding them close to you
• Dip your hands in the water and gently drip the water on their head and back.
• Slowly bring them up and down to touch and feel the water, being careful that the water only covers up to their shoulders. Do not submerge their head or face in the beginning.
• Get cozy and comfortable sitting in the water with baby.
• Slowly drip water on the baby’s head using your fingers.
• Always keep in mind that a wet baby is usually very slippery.
• As you sit in the bathtub together getting used to the water, you can sing one of your favourite songs together and play with the small toys that you have set aside.
• Scoop up water with a plastic cup and slowly pour it on baby, start with their body, hands, arms, shoulders and slowly their heads.
• Be cheery as you help them really get used to the temperature and the feeling of just being in the water.
• Take a moment to really ease baby into the water, relax and enjoy the experience, remembering this is all really brand new for baby.