Ways to Bond with Your Baby: Bathing with Your Little One (Part 1)

This is probably my favorite bonding time of any. I began doing this with my first baby, and by the time I gave birth to Gabrielle, I could not wait until her belly button healed, so that we could begin our bathing experience together. Who needs those little plastic tubs that hurt your back to bend over, but most importantly, the skin to skin contact with your baby is so incredibly soothing to both you and the baby.

Each evening after dinner, I ran some warm water and would get into the tub, and then have Robert hand the baby to me. It is such a wonderful, peaceful time for us to bathe together and sing and talk.

I usually will do this for about 4-6 months, and it is very interesting each night to see the developments that the baby accomplishes. The baby will begin to splash and play, and because of the security of being right there, I believe that they become very comfortable in the water and find this to be a fun and comforting time before bed. At times when I was in a hurry and I still wanted to have that bonding time between me and the baby, I would shower with the baby. It is still a very pleasant time for us to spend.

However, you need to be very careful with both of these activities. Always have someone there with you to help you with the baby. My husband would always stay in the bathroom with us while we played in the bathtub. Also, make sure that you never get out of the tub or shower while holding the baby. Give the baby to someone else, and then get yourself out. Also, while you are in the bathtub or shower, hold onto the baby very securely. If I was in the tub or shower, the baby was never out of my arms. And as everyone knows, don’t ever leave your baby unattended during these times.

Enjoy these times; they go so quickly.