I thought bathing an infant would be easy. Turns out it is. It just takes practice and concentration. Poor Kelvin finds it really difficult because he's afraid he'll hurt the baby. I think we'd better practice together more because studies show that babies who have their fathers bond with them over bath time become more confident individuals. Besides, if I'm nursing the baby and have to do everything else, I won't have time to get clean myself.
The whole bath takes about 10 mins at the most but Caitlin really enjoys it. Her eyes open really wide and she'll look all around her and at you. When she gets a little bit older, I'll incorporate some toys for her to play with. I read somewhere that babys are fascinated with liquids. The words for liquids like "milk" and "juice" are amongst the first 10 words that they will learn.
Kelvin's legs are too long and it's hard for him to squat next to the bath tub. In the end I got a stool, turned it upside down and put the bath tub on the stool. The first time he bathed Caitlin, he grabbed her arm so tightly that it turned blue! I think he needs more practice later. In the meantime, I'll have to do all the baths till I'm really familiar with it then I can help him practice.
Of all the people involved in bath time, Caitlin is the most familiar with how it should be done. She knows enough to stand and squat in the water, when it's okay to kick her legs and when to be still. The main thing is not to get water into her ears or her mouth and to make her feel safe and secure. It's amazing. If she feels like she's slipping or you're grabbing her too hard, she'll wiggle about and grimace.
The whole bath takes about 10 mins at the most but Caitlin really enjoys it. Her eyes open really wide and she'll look all around her and at you. When she gets a little bit older, I'll incorporate some toys for her to play with. I read somewhere that babys are fascinated with liquids. The words for liquids like "milk" and "juice" are amongst the first 10 words that they will learn.
Kelvin's legs are too long and it's hard for him to squat next to the bath tub. In the end I got a stool, turned it upside down and put the bath tub on the stool. The first time he bathed Caitlin, he grabbed her arm so tightly that it turned blue! I think he needs more practice later. In the meantime, I'll have to do all the baths till I'm really familiar with it then I can help him practice.
Here we are. Bath time's over and Caitlin's all clean. Success!
