Bathtime a fun time?
If you have a toddler who doesn’t enjoy taking a bath, there are ways you can make it a fun experience for them. Make bath time fun by filling out the tub and let them splash around. You can let them bring some toys or dolls into the tub to play in this new world of water. Children get excited and creative in different environments, the bath can just be one of them. You can even hang parchment paper on the side of the wall and let them tap into their artistic side by painting on it with watercolors. There are endless tips and tricks you can try to make it an entertaining time and one of these ideas is bound to work for your kid.
If you have a newborn who doesn’t enjoy taking a bath there’s not much you can do to stop the wailing, wiggling, screeching ordeal it will be. Let’s face it, bathing a newborn is already hard enough as it is even without them crying out. It’s nerve-wracking! There are so many things to think about at the same time and you need to ensure you’re doing everything right. Keep the temperature warm, but not too hot, lukewarm but not too cold. You have to make sure you’re always holding your baby with one hand while you try to maneuver the washing with the other. You have to make sure the baby doesn't get hurt by the squirming movements that will ensue, make sure soap doesn’t get into their eyes, that you’re using the right body wash for them, or that it doesn’t lather or suds too much. You can never leave them unattended - oh the list goes on! You might not be able to make it fun for them but you can make it easier for yourself by getting the right gear. The right gear can help tackle any challenge. Bath time? Piece of cake. It can even become a bonding moment between parent and child. So what are the essentials? Keep reading to discover the best baby wash for newborns.
-Baby bath tub
-Thermometer (to check the temperature of the water)
-Soft delicate non-scrubbing sponge
-Nonirritant baby wash
-Towel or soft blanket to dry baby off
-Diapers & clean clothes ready
Regular soaps vs. Baby Wash
We like clean babies but we like them to be healthy even more. Babies have delicate skin so you want a natural body wash and shampoo to avoid skin irritation. So make sure the bathing products you’re using, like the wash or the after bath lotion, are safe for newborns and have been formulated specifically for babies to use. You will want a baby wash that is effective at removing dirt and germs but one that is also gentle to a baby’s sensitive skin and won’t strip them of their natural oils. Constant contact with bath products that contain irritants and harsh chemicals can then lead to your newborn developing dry skin, flakiness, rashes and can worsen eczema and baby acne. When in doubt, if you’re going to wash your baby with a regular non-baby wash, it’s always better not to bathe your baby at all or to ditch the cleanser and just wash them with water. The generic soaps and washes we use can at times be harmful to newborns even if they claim to have been formulated for sensitive skin, so always err on the safe side and stick to made-for-babies bath products.
Which Baby Wash is the Best?
Not all newborn baby bath washes are created equal. When shopping for a wash or soap for babies be mindful of the ingredients each product is listing. Analyze the product and make sure your child is not allergic to the ingredients listed. If you don’t know or are unsure, always contact your doctor or pediatrician for help. Look for a baby shampoo and wash that is free of harsh chemicals and ingredients like parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, perfumes, colors, and dyes. A tear-free shampoo with organic ingredients may be a good option.
Parabens are no good, especially in baby products. They’re preservatives used to elongate the life of a product but these also can penetrate the skin, get absorbed by our bodies and can enter the bloodstream. Excessive use of parabens on the body has been linked to increased risk of cancer. So, check the label on all shampoo and body wash products before making your decision.
Sulfates are the chemicals that make our soaps, shampoos and washes lather and bubble. In high doses, sulfates cause irritation when in contact with eyes, skin, and scalp. They're also especially irritating to eczema sufferers. Constant use of suds also dries can easily dry out baby skin, so a soap or body wash that suds too much is not ideal for a baby.
Synthetic and artificial fragrances, aromas and perfumes might smell great but in this case, it’s best to go for the natural alternative and steer clear of any wash and shampoo with a scent. A fragrance-free wash is safer for your newborn as it will prevent irritation on the skin. Fragrances and perfumes are a common cause in inciting or sensitizing negative skin reactions-regardless of the skin type. This is regardless even if one doesn’t typically have sensitive skin, redness-prone skin, or an irritation susceptibility. Newborns are vulnerable not only because they have naturally sensitive skin, but also at such a young age we just don’t know exactly how responsive their bodies might be to these irritants. A nice fragrance won’t clean better and it definitely won’t add any benefits to your newborn so it’s best to skip it.
Colors and dyes are also components that won’t add anything positive. A more saturated colorful product won’t be gentler, or better for your baby either.
So which baby wash is the best? Your baby’s health is the most important factor, so we believe the safest one for your baby will always be the best choice. One that is formulated for babies. One that is gentle, that’ll calm and nourish your newborns delicate skin.
The only draw back about all natural product is that sometimes the oil and lotion can separate from each other because there is no chemical added to mix them together well. Just need to shake it more before you use it for the best touch!