Bathing Baby in the Big Tub

Your little fish is ready to take the plunge into that big pond as soon as she’s sitting well on her own. Just keep these big-tub tips in mind, and the transition to deeper waters should be smooth sailing.

Put safety first.
It only takes a second for a baby to slip under the water — and it can happen even if you’re using a tub seat or ring. So watch your little minnow every minute of every bath — and always stay within arm’s reach. Have your supplies at hand before you put your baby in the tub, and if you absolutely have to fetch something you forgot, wrap her in a towel and take her with you. And since wet baby bottoms are slippery bottoms, the tub bottom shouldn’t be. Place a skid-free bath mat or a towel under her bum to prevent slips and slides.

Test the temperature.
Test the waters. Set your hot-water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and always test the water with your elbow or wrist before you plunk your porpoise in for a scrub a dub dub in the tub.

Make the move gradually.
Wade in. One way to ease your baby — and yourself — into the big-tub is to make the move gradually. Give a couple of baths with her familiar little tub placed inside the empty big tub. You’ll get used to washing her inside the big-tub — she’ll get used to being inside of it.

Add a few toys.
Add a fleet of fun. You don’t need pricy water toys to make a splash in the big tub. Your little dipper will have a boat-load of fun with a couple of plastic cups and containers she can float, sink, fill, and pour with. And of course, don’t forget the rubber ducky!