How to Shower Baby:
How to Safely Shower with Your Baby
by Josh Day
Do you have a baby in your home, but not a bath tub in which to bathe him?
I often find it quicker and easier to shower with my baby. After all, bathing a baby consists of drawing the bath water, carefully placing baby in the tub, washing him while he splashes all over me, and then toweling him off and putting his clothes back on. Wouldn't it be nice to cut the time in half, as well as enjoy a hot shower yourself?
First, you're going to need mom and dad -- two people. Run the shower and make sure the water is warm and comfortable. Either you or the second person hold the baby in the bathroom while the water is running, so he'll get acclimated to the sound of running water. If this is your first time, expect the baby to get upset. It's a new experience and some conditioning is required.
Holding your baby snugly in your arms, his head at about shoulder level, enter the shower, ensuring your back is to the stream of water, shielding baby from the water. If he tenses up and struggles, tightly hold him and soothe him with your voice. The key here is constant communication and an easy, gentle voice. Once again, if this is your first time showering with your baby, be ready for some thrashing and screaming. Keep the initial shower short and let your baby know he is safe and loved when you're done.
When you're ready to place the baby under the stream of water, tell him, "It's time for water!" in an upbeat, enthusiastic voice. Holding him close to you, slowly turn toward the water so your chest and the baby's back are under the stream. Slowly move him up and down, rotating to the left and right to soak the baby. Turn around again after a time -- either a few seconds, or up to a minute, depending on how your baby is responding to the water -- and shield your baby from the water. Repeat as many times as you'd like.
When you're done, call out to the second person waiting outside the shower. Have him or her open the shower door or curtain, towel ready in both arms. Ensuring your baby feels secure, carefully hand him to the second person and immediately have him or her wrap the baby in the towel. Say goodbye and close the shower door while the second person leaves the bathroom and dries the baby.
Lastly, and most importantly, your baby has to exhibit good head control in order to shower with him. He needs to be able to hold onto you to some degree and have some control over his muscles. My wife showered with our son for the first time when he was six months, although he had enough control over his body we could have done it sooner.
Showering with your baby is an excellent way to bond with him. Once he gets over the initial fright and comes to expect the shower as he would any other ritual, you'll find both you and he will enjoy this time.
Editor's note: Josh Day is a work-at-home dad who enjoys spending time with his son James. He and his wife Leah have written a practical guide to parenting for realistic people called Moderation Parenting. Learn more about their book and parenting method at http://moderationparenting.com
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