Most babies will encounter water for the first time in the form of a water tub designed for a baby bath. Following safety and health precautions can help babies feel comfortable in their tubs. While some babies take to their tub quickly, others are more reluctant and need to be persuaded that bath time can be fun.
Types
Commercially available tubs for infants come in a variety of forms, most of which are designed to sit inside a large sink, allowing parents to stand while washing their baby. Many baby bathtubs are made of hard plastic, although foldable and inflatable varieties are also available. According to the parent education site BabyCenter, most water tubs specifically designed for bathing a baby cost between $15 and $30, as of 2010. Some parents choose to use a shallow plastic water tub not specifically designed for babies as a bathtub. Others may forgo the tub altogether and wash the baby in a sink or regular bathtub.
Safety
Safety is the most important concern for babies around water tubs. Never leave a baby unattended near any tub of water, including a baby bathtub. An infant can drown in as little as an inch of water, and drowning can happen in less than a minute. Caregivers also should not leave a child alone in a room when any tub or bucket of water is present, such as water used for mopping.
Usage
Before placing the baby in a tub, make sure that the water level and temperature are appropriate. The room should be between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the water temperature should be between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The water level for a baby under 6 months old should be around 2 to 3 in. and for older babies, the water should not come above the infant's waist when seated.
Fun
While younger babies may cry or fuss when placed into a water tub, older babies generally like bath time. To encourage a reluctant bather to have more fun in the bath, parents can provide bath toys such as a rubber duck or toys that squirt or drip water. Make sure that all toys are rated for the age of your baby before giving them to your child.
Considerations
According to pediatrician Dr. William Sears, babies are frequently over-washed and most infants don't need to be bathed in a tub daily until they begin walking and spending time outdoors. Parents should also pay attention to their baby's reaction when being bathed in a tub, because an infant's cries may be a signal that the water is too hot or cold, or that the baby is afraid of the water and needs comfort and reassurance that the tub is safe.
