Baby Bath Time Blues?

Most of us have wonderful soft-focused mental pictures of how special bath time can be. A laughing baby in the bath with shampoo piled high on his head joins other classic childhood images such as the grinning baby whose face is smeared with sweet potatoes, or a brand-new toddler taking his first steps with delight.

If your child seems to have anything but joyful antics on their mind in the tub then bath time is often riddled with screams and confusion as you try to decipher why your child is so upset and how to eliminate the problem. While there are no simple answers, and not all children are the same, here are some tips to help smooth the torture and make things much more enjoyable for everyone.

Tip #1. Use a tub that is comfortable for your baby - most babies like them to be soft (or lined with a towel) and "just right" in size.

Tip #2. A couple of inches of warm (not hot) water in the tub is plenty. Babies feel both heat and cold more than we do. If you are unsure about the temperature, you can buy an inexpensive bath thermometer that changes color to indicate safe and comfortable heat levels. (Note: If you have not already done so, turn down your hot water heater to no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.)

Tip #3. Babies lose body heat very quickly, so make sure the room is also warm.

Tip #4. Some babies are a bit frightened of having their clothes taken off and being exposed to the air. Your soothing voice - singing or talking - will help remind your that they are safe.

Tip #5. Use age-appropriate toys to engage him in the whole experience. At first, this might be something as simple as giving them a clean washcloth to suck on or a rattle to hold. Later, plastic cups and bowls make excellent pouring toys.

Tip #6. Be careful to use gentle, hypoallergenic, tear-free products to clean your baby's skin and hair. The Gerber Baby Wash with Lavender is a great choice. It is hypoallergenic, tear-free, and relaxing. Gerber Baby Shampoo also fits the bill. Hypoallergenic and tear-free, it contains Aloe Vera and chamomile.