Why does my baby hate baths and what to do about it

Now, let's look at something you can control nearly 100%. Here's how often you need to bathe your

Newborn:

• Newborns can be given a very gentle sponge bath two to three times a week. Things to keep in mind: make sure the room where you bathe your baby is warm. Keep the baby wrapped up in a towel, exposing only the area that needs to be sponged at the time. Until the baby's umbilical stump falls off, make sure you leave the stump dry to avoid infections.
• The three-days-in-a-week routine works best if you make sure to clean the genitals and diaper area promptly and properly every time your baby poos or wees. Also, keep a clean burp cloth handy to wipe away any spit-up promptly. You can also wipe the baby's face and neck with a super-soft, damp cloth in-between baths if need be.

Infant and toddler:

• Once the umbilical cord falls off, you can bathe your baby daily in a bathtub. Stick to sponge baths for the initial days, till your baby gets used to the tub, and then introduce about two inches of warm water (37-38 degrees Celsius).

Whether you bathe your baby in the morning or at night is up to you. But if your baby is really bothered by bathtime, it may not be a good idea to do it just before bedtime.

If your baby starts crying when you splash him or her with water, take this sign seriously. True, most babies dislike getting wet. But by identifying the underlying cause of why it causes your little one distress, you can turn bathtime into a lot of fun for the baby and for you.

Here are some of the reasons your baby may not enjoy baths:

1. Water and soap get into the baby's eyes: Babies' reflexes are not much developed. They are unable to close their eyes quickly to avoid water or any foreign object going in. As a result, the water or the soap can enter their eyes while taking a bath, which hurts their eyes and they begin to cry. 

2. The water is too cold or too hot: If the water is too cold or too warm, or if the room where you give the baby a bath is too cold, or if the baby isn't properly wrapped up, he or she could feel uncomfortable and cry.

3. Baby is hungry: You can’t enjoy anything on an empty stomach. Babies are the same. Make sure the baby is comfortable - fed, burped, cleaned up - well before the bath. Don't force your baby to bathe when he or she is fussing or showing signs of distress.

4. Baby doesn't feel supported: Sometimes babies who love to bathe grow up to hate bath time as toddlers. This can happen is the baby doesn't feel properly supported and fears he or she may fall or slide in the bathtub.

5. Baby wasn't expecting this, or the change is too sudden: If you don't ease babies into things, they can register their protest with crying and wailing. And once they associate something with a bad experience, that association (for bathtime, in this case) can persist in their mind for some time.

6. Baby is scared: The sound of the water and the feeling of floating can make some babies uncomfortable - even scared. Even newborns can hate the feeling of being out of control.

There are many things new parents and grandparents can do to make bathtime fun and safe. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• The bathing area matters. If you're giving your baby a sponge bath, make sure that the room isn't cold and there is a proper area for you to put your baby down comfortably and safely. Remember, you don't have to give your baby a bath in the bathroom if you can't control these factors there.
• The bathtub matters: If the tub is too big or filled with too much water, that could scare the baby. Invest in a baby tub or bathe your child in the sink till they're ready for the big tub. Use the baby bathtub for sponge baths for a few days, before you fill it up with a small quantity of water (under two inches deep). Some babies can enjoy warm water (37-38 degrees Celsius) up to their shoulders, but see how your baby responds to the water before adding more.
• Babies are sensitive to water, especially if it is too cold or too hot. The most prominent reason for the babies to cry while taking a bath can be the inappropriate water temperature. Ideally, the water temperature should be 37-38 degrees Celsius. Dip your elbow in the water to check if it is right for your baby or not. Dip your baby's legs in first to see whether he or she is comfortable with the water temperature or not.
• Avoid soaps - even mild baby soaps - for the first month after birth as the baby's skin is quite sensitive and can dry out easily. Use only clean water to bathe your baby two to three times a week.
• Observe your baby, be mindful of his or her reactions to the room, the tub, and the water, and mould your behaviours accordingly. This interactive approach to bathing (where you observe-touch-respond to your baby) can help parents and babies become even closer during bath time.
• Watching your baby closely will also help you pick up cues on what your baby likes and how to calm him or her down during bath time.
• To avoid water going into the baby's eyes, start by cleaning the baby's lower body first. Keep his or her head tilted back. Avoid pouring water on his or her face.
• Support the baby with your non-dominant arm throughout while you use the dominant hand to do the washing. If your baby is older and can sit on his or her own, then placing your hand on their tummy can help them feel more secure in the tub - and reduce their fear of falling in the water.
• Add bath toys to the tub.
• Never leave your child unattended during bath time.
• Keep checking the water - if it becomes cold, take your baby out and wrap him or her in a soft towel asap.
• If your baby was born premature (delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy is known as premature labour), then avoid bathing the baby till he or she is physiologically stable, and the baby's temperature is normal for at least four hours. Do not wipe the vernix caseosa - the waxy white layer on the skin - but let it get absorbed into the baby's skin.
• If you are washing your baby's hair - use a tiny drop of mild baby shampoo, if need be. While rinsing, make sure that no suds or water come on your baby's face by putting a hand up to shield his or her forehead.