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Pacifiers – Choosing the right fit for your little one
Pacifiers can be one of the more controversial topics when it comes to parenting. Everyone has an opinion on this small rubber or silicone object, and you may find you will receive conflicting advice when deciding to use one or not. The good news is the decision to use a pacifier is completely up to you. Using a pacifier can be a lifesaver as a new parent, particularly in those first few months. When it comes to settling your newborn sucking on a pacifier is a great way to calm them down. A pacifier is designed to imitate a mother’s nipple and can usually calm a baby straight away when they become fussy. If you are wanting to stretch out your night feeds a pacifier might be your go to option to keep them settled until their next feed. Trial and error is often the best way to find the pacifier that works best for your baby. We have a range of options at Dimples to help you explore what your baby prefers. Latex vs Silicone At Dimples, we offer both Latex and Silicone pacifiers. Latex is made from natural rubber and is extra soft for your baby’s developing mouth. It is recommended that this product should be replaced every 6 weeks with its shorter shelf life. Silicone pacifiers are a more robust material as well as easier to clean. It is important to check your pacifiers before use to ensure there are no cracks as this will lead to a higher build-up of bacteria. Rounded vs Orthodontic Pacifiers stocked at Dimples come in a variety of shapes and sizes, you may find baby will prefer one shape and material over another. Dimples offer both Rounded and Orthodontic shaped pacifiers. A pacifier with a rounded nipple is often preferred by babies that are breastfed. Here the tongue is placed under the nipple much like when they are breastfeeding, this can help prevent nipple confusion. An orthodontic pacifier features a nipple with a flattened bottom and rounded top. This design helps support your little ones developing palate and jaw. The Variety Dimples has to offer: Frigg Frigg Pacifiers are designed in two different styles a classic minimalist design style as well as a daisy shape with a scalloped edge. Soothe your little one in style with a Frigg Pacifier the large colour range Frigg has on offer allows you to choose from a series of fashionable colours for your little one. The Frigg Pacifiers feature a rounded cherry shaped nipple. These pacifiers are designed with an outward curve which helps to keep the pacifier off the baby’s skin, it’s design also includes air holes and a security handle to ensure your baby is always safe. Frigg pacifiers are available in two different sizes. Size 1 is suited for newborn to 6 months and size 2 is suitable from 6 to 18 months. Bibs Bibs dummies are a world-renowned pacifier. Their retro look is complete with a rounded shield and rounded nipple. The suction area of this pacifier is made up of 100% natural soft, silky and flexible rubber. This pacifier gives your child a natural sense of sucking. With the outwards facing shield, your little one’s skin will have a reduced chance of irritation around the mouth area. Bibs Pacifiers are available in three different sizes; size 1 is suitable for newborn to 6 months, size 2 is suitable from 6 months to 18 months and size 3 is suitable from 18 months plus. Dimples offer a large selection of colours to soothe your little one in-store and online. Nuk Nuk is there to make sure your little one is taken care of. Every child is born different and you may find your little one is too small for regular size 1 silicone soothers. Nuk offers a size 0 silicone soother for smaller babies. Designed by medical experts the smaller size and shape will be perfect to soothe your tiny newborn. Nuk has also developed Pacifiers featuring extra soft silicone for your baby’s sensitive skin. This soother is made up of 100% extra soft silicone. The Nipple is extra soft to reduce the risk of tooth and jaw misalignments. Pacifier Clips Pacifier clips are the perfect addition to your soother. You will quickly discover over the early years of your child’s life you will go through plenty of Pacifiers. Often that is because your little one has conveniently dropped them only for it to never be seen again. A pacifier clip can help to prevent this from happening by simply attaching the pacifier to your child’s clothing. When they drop their pacifier, or it falls out of their mouth this means the object is still attached to them. Elodie offers a wide range of stylish Pacifier clips to make sure you can match the clip with any outfit. Check out our full range here
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Choosing the right baby carrier
Here’s everything you need to know about baby carriers Becoming a new parent comes with an overwhelming number of unanswered questions – one of which is how to choose the right baby carrier. Keeping your little bundle of joy close to you while running errands, visiting the grandparents or doing chores around the house might seem like a far-fetched idea at first, but with a baby carrier, you don’t have to choose between doing one or the other. There is a huge selection of baby carriers to choose from – everything from smaller models best suited to newborn babies through to adaptable carriers which can be used even into the toddler years. With so many options, it can make deciding on which one to buy a little daunting – especially if you’re a first-time parent. Let’s take a look at different styles of carriers, as well as a few tips for how to pick the right one for you and your baby. Types of baby carriers Ring slings Ring slings are a well-known and versatile style of baby carrier. They’re made from a length of fabric threaded through two rings. Ring slings are worn on one shoulder, spreading widely across your back to create a pouch for baby to sit in. With some models, extra shoulder padding can be added for long-term wearing. Because a ring sling offers a variety of different carrying positions, it can be used from newborn through to toddlerhood. For young babies, it supports the ‘C-shape’ curve they’re born with. Once the sling has been adjusted to fit you and bubs, it’s a simple matter of popping baby in and out. Ring slings are a great introductory carrier for new parents because they’re easy to use and can be stored in your nappy bag. Soft-structured carriers This style of carrier is a favourite with parents because of how easy it is to use and adjust. The basic design is a front panel where baby will be ‘seated’, a waist strap and two padded shoulder straps – all of which can be adjusted and secured with buckles to achieve a comfortable fit. Soft-structured carriers can be used for front, hip and back carrying, from newborns to toddlers. They carry your baby in an ergonomic upright position (rather than a hammock or cradle position), evenly distributing his weight over both your shoulders. Many have additional head support for younger babies or integrated infant boosters which can be easily removed as your baby grows – like this Nuna Cudl Carrier. They’re not quite as snuggly as wraps and can take time to work out the most comfortable position, but they’re super-quick to pop on and provide fantastic support for long-term wearing. Wrap slings or carriers A wrap – like this Aura Baby Wrap – is one of the most comfortable baby carriers to wear. For young babies, the swaddle-like design mimics the feel of the womb. The design consists of a long piece of specially-woven fabric that is wrapped, tied and moulded to your body and baby. You can use it in lots of different styles – front, side or back, on one shoulder or two. Some wrap snugly around your chest to distribute weight and others are more like a backpack. Most will fit all sizes, shapes and ages of babes. You’ll need to learn how to wrap, but with a little practice and patience, you’ll have it mastered in no time. Tips for choosing a baby carrier Baby carriers come in a wide variety of styles and features. Whatever carrier you choose, follow the usage instructions and safety advice in the manual, and always monitor baby when in the carrier to ensure proper airflow is maintained. When shopping for a baby carrier, here are some things you should consider: Longevity As your baby grows, your carrier will need changing features. Newborns like to snuggle in close with their head on your chest; toddlers want to see the world! Most carriers come with generous age and size ranges but it's essential to choose a carrier designed to fit your baby's size and age. Some parents opt for two carriers and others look for an alternative that can adjust to different ages. Fit and comfort One of the most important factors of a baby carrier is how well it fits. You want one that fits your newborn well and supports her safely. This means you’ll need to factor in weight, height, physiology and build. It should also be comfortable for both you and your baby. The seat of any carrier should allow your baby’s legs to be in the hip-healthy ‘M’ position. For you, think about how much back and shoulder support you’ll need for long-term wearing comfort. Most carriers are one-size-fits-most, can be easily adjusted and shared between parents. Other options come in different size ranges. Ease of use Regardless of what type of carrier you buy, it may take a little practice before using one becomes second nature. Some carriers require a multi-step process to get set up but can be easily stored in a nappy bag. Others may be easier to use but bulkier to transport. Easy to clean If you didn’t already know – babies are messy! Not all carriers can be machine-washed for easy cleaning – some need to be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. Be sure to check labels for washing instructions. Climate While physical contact is great for a boost of oxytocin (the love hormone) and bonding, all carriers will add heat. For warmer climates, lightweight and breathable fabrics are essential. For colder climates, heavier materials and padding are more appropriate. Organic and eco-friendly For those parents and babies with sensitive skin, or anyone looking for an eco-friendly carrier option, consider carriers with organic fabrics, colour grown cotton, unbleached fabrics, recycled materials, and non-toxic dyeing processes. Pick what’s right for you and your family Baby carriers are a great alternative to lugging a stroller in and out of your boot and navigating crowds. They’ve been shown to help promote bonding, improve postpartum depression and anxiety, and reduce crying. But ultimately, the perfect carrier for you and your bouncing baby is the style that you both find most comfortable. All carriers provide exactly what your baby is looking for – being close to you. Look at your budget, lifestyle, and who will be using the carrier to help you decide which styles to consider.
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Teething Baby? Your go to Survival Guide
The teething baby survival guide Long before you spot the pearly white poking out of your little one’s gum, you’ll typically be warned of its arrival by a grizzly babe. Teething can happen anywhere from three to twelve months and some babies are even born with teeth. The signs of teething vary hugely – mountains of dribble, ear-pulling, strange rashes, increased night-waking or general grumpiness. Whatever your baby starts to do, it helps to have some tricks up your sleeve. Chewy toys That’s right – dogs and teething babies love them equally. That’s because counter pressure on sore gums can help provide relief. Save the railings of the cot (and anything else they can get their gums around) by having some teething toys on hand. Textured flexible teethers that can be popped in the fridge like the Haakaa Rabbit Teether have the added benefit of cooling and slightly numbing the gums. Gnaw-friendly foods Some babies love having a big piece of something hard to chew on, like chilled cucumber, carrot, celery or a hard rusk. Special teething rusks can usually be picked up at the supermarket or you can try making your own. As with any hard foods, make sure you keep a close eye on your little one as pieces can break off and become a choking hazard. Keep it cool Pop frozen fruit or veg in a teething feeder, like this one from Haakaa, to soothe sensitive gums. Make sure they’ll be soft once they melt – try bananas, ripe pears or stone fruit, and well-steamed veggies. Sometimes teething can affect your little one’s appetite too, so these are a great way to help get extra nourishment in when mealtimes are tough. The magic necklace Amber teething necklaces have been around for hundreds of years, and many parents swear by them! The theory is that succinic acid, a component of amber, is absorbed into your baby’s skin to soothe teething woes by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. While the jury is still out on whether they deliver on the magic promised, it’s worth a try! If nothing else, your babe gets a cute necklace out of it. Be sure to look for necklaces with individually knotted beads (for extra safety if broken). Teething and toothbrushing How about a teething aid that helps little ones get the hang of brushing their teeth at the same time? A teething toothbrush like this cute toothbrush will gently massage painful gums while cleaning any little teeth with its soft silicone bristles. Cuddles and comfort Sometimes all the teething aids in the world just won’t cut it and your baby just needs some extra cuddles and comfort. While it might seem like teething pains ramp up at night, it’s more likely that extra night-waking can just make it feel worse – to you! In the meantime, try and relish those extra snuggles (hard to do at 3 am, we know!) The last line of defence If chewing, rubbing and gnawing cool foods don't do the trick, it might be time to break out the liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always check with your GP or Plunket Nurse before administering any medicine, but a mild form of pain relief or anti-inflammatory can sometimes make all the difference. If you’re not quite ready to go down the medication route just yet, a natural alternative like Teething Tamer can provide natural, organic pain relief, which is easily applied externally (making it extra easy for little ones) and can be used from three months onwards.
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Motherhood: Beyond the Fourth Trimester
Beyond The Fourth Trimester - A Sustainable Approach To Health Once the first few months with your new baby have passed you might be feeling like the haze of those early weeks has passed. You also might not be there just yet, just as each baby is different so is each pregnancy and the subsequent postpartum period. This is why it is important to be mindful of not judging how well you are doing based on other mothers who might appear to be completely back to normal with a baby who sleeps all night. If you are still breastfeeding, many mothers report a drop in milk supply at this point often saying that they no longer feel like their breasts are as full. This is something I experienced with my first baby and thought it meant I was losing my milk supply. It is normal for the initial fullness and engorgement to diminish as your milk supply is more established at this point, and your body has adjusted to supplying what your baby needs. If you do ever feel concerned by this your Plunket nurse, local lactation consultant or the La Leche league are a wonderful source of support & encouragement. Once those exhausting early months have passed many of the mothers I work with are keen to start focusing on reclaiming their pre-pregnancy bodies and to start dieting and exercising. Focusing on good nutrition and consistent exercise is hugely beneficial and has many positive health impacts such as increased energy, better sleep, improved mood and changes in body composition. What is really important to be mindful of, is that changes in diet and physical activity are best to be done with an incremental approach to minimise the chances of under-fuelling yourself, drops in milk supply, injuries and adding too much pressure on yourself. It also allows you to build sustainable health habits that you are more likely to maintain long term. I always recommend an appointment with a postpartum trained physiotherapist. They can assess your posture for diastasis recti (tummy muscle separation) and guidance on pelvic floor exercises. Women who have had caesareans often think because they haven't had a natural birth they don't need to worry about pelvic floor exercises - this isn't the case, pregnancy still takes its toll on the body so re-strengthening the pelvic floor after carrying a baby is important for all mothers. Working with a personal trainer that specialises in postpartum exercise is a great idea. They can ensure your exercise technique is correct to avoid injury and set an exercise program that is suitable for your current fitness level that will be mindful of the changes that need to be made to a fitness program based on your requirements postpartum. When looking at dieting I always encourage my Mum’s take a non-diet approach to focus on improving health not through restriction but with healthy nutritional choices that improve their health status not diminish it. To achieve this we focus on a nutritional approach that has a strong focus on nutrient repletion to help the body to replete nutrients that were preferentially supplied to their growing baby. Focusing on a diet full of whole unprocessed foods is the foundation for this. Most women find that this approach is very empowering, it leads to better satiety and self-regulation of eating over restriction then binge eating. When it comes to improving your diet always aim for progress, not perfection, and most importantly enjoy your meals! Adequate protein intake is essential for tissue repair and rebuilding especially when exercising. Sources of protein include meat, chicken, seafood, eggs, legumes nuts and seeds. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full for longer. I use and recommend Clean Lean Protein powder for smoothies as it is perfectly safe for breastfeeding mums. You can use the discount code ‘mela’ to save 15% at nuzest.co.nz . Eating plenty of colourful vegetables and some fruits (eat the rainbow!) is important to supply essential vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, fibre and carbohydrate. I aim to have three fist-sized servings of vegetables with lunch and dinner. It is important to supply yourself with some complex carbohydrate for energy and to assist with glycogen repletion after exercising. Some good sources are pumpkin, yams, kumara, and whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa. Don't forget to incorporate healthy fats with each meal. Fats have been demonised and avoided for so long that many people are not aware of how important adequate fat intake is for health. Dietary fat is essential for the absorption of many nutrients, production of certain hormones, the supply of energy and support of cell growth. Good sources of healthy fats include oily fish such as salmon, extra virgin olive oil, hemp seed oil, avocado, nuts and seeds. Lastly don't forget to drink your water! Aim for two glasses on rising then another 2 litres throughout the day and more when exercising. If you are a breastfeeding mum aiming to have a glass of water with each feed I find keeping a water bottle close by during the day and for those night feeds is a great idea - it’s thirsty work! Kylie Stowe @melawholefoods Postpartum Nourish Bowl Serves 1 Ingredients 120-150 grams of cooked sliced meat (or vegetarian alternative) 2 cups of salad greens 1 cup of an assortment of diced colourful vegetables 1 palm-sized serve of cooked complex carbohydrate (pumpkin, yams, brown rice, quinoa, kumara) ¼ - ½ of an avocado or 40 grams of Feta 1 tbsp of hummus 1tbsp toasted pumpkin & sunflower seeds 2 tbsp of dressing of your choice. Method Arrange all of the ingredients in a bowl, season, drizzle with dressing and enjoy! My favourite dressing is made with extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar & wholegrain mustard. To change up the flavours you can coat your protein in different herbs and spices the one pictured is Moroccan chicken.
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Music for Babies
Is it a myth or a must? You may have heard that Mozart in utero is essential to healthy brain development, and Baby Einstein on repeat will produce an intellectually advanced toddler. But is music for babies really a thing? Exposing babies and toddlers to music might not necessarily be intelligence-inducing, but it definitely has its benefits for both parents and babies. Here’s what the science really says! Music in utero From around 20 weeks into pregnancy, your baby’s ears start functioning – taking in all the familiar and soothing sounds of the womb and the outside world. That might be mum’s favourite music, the sound of her voice or the constant drum of her heartbeat. So, if classical music isn’t your thing, do you need to suffer through it in the later stages of pregnancy to produce a high IQ human? The jury is out on the intellectual impact of womb-tunes, but listening to music with your unborn babe can be a nice way to schedule some regular time to unwind and bond over your favourite melodies. As a bonus, using this time to de-stress gives you a valid excuse to belt out your greatest hits in the shower. If it makes you feel good, chances are your baby will love it too. While it might be tempting to share an earphone with your belly buddy, playing music through your stereo is a much better option. Amniotic fluid acts as a conductor and can make an earphone too loud for tiny ears. If you’re happy and you know it… We all know that music has the magical ability to transform your mood, and it can do the same for babies and toddlers. Even when they’re little, babies sway or bounce to the beat and can be calmed down with their favourite songs. Using the mood-altering magic of music can also be a helpful way to set up routines for babies and get toddlers on board with chores. Upbeat numbers can get things started in the morning, and special bedtime songs signal to toddlers it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep. Similarly, music can make chores fun. Rather than asking toddlers to tidy up at the end of the day, take a leaf out of the childcare professionals’ books and learn a ‘clean up’ song – less nagging, more dancing! Learning through music Exposing babies and toddlers to music during their early years helps with learning sounds and the meanings of words. Songs like ‘Heads, shoulders, knees and toes’ expand their vocabularies and coordination, while singing the ABCs teaches sounds and early literacy. On the maths front, popular nursery rhymes are full of repetition, a great way for young brains to learn about patterns and what comes next. Lots of nursery rhymes also include numbers – it’s practically maths for babies! Getting physical Getting their tiny groove on helps toddlers build key motor skills like jumping, balancing and clapping. Body and mind work together as they move to the beat. Spatial awareness and social skills are also learnt through movements like dancing – avoiding bumps and noticing how other toddlers move in group settings. Music for bonding Life as a new parent can be all go, so it’s nice to schedule some regular bonding time and fun with music. If you feel lacking in the creative department, check out what’s on offer at your local library or church – many offer preschool music sessions which double as a great (and easy) opportunity for new mums to escape the house. Ears and imaginations Is there anything better than a toddler who is good at listening? Music cues toddlers to move and react, a great way to develop early listening skills. Similarly, songs that call for them to stomp like a dinosaur or snap like a crocodile sharpen their ability to listen and exercise their creative brains. The best musical instruments for your mini maestro Music doesn’t need to be expensive and can easily cost nothing. Aside from singing (free), other beats like clapping, clicking fingers or stomping are easy (and also free) ways to create music at home. Once you’ve exhausted those, there are plenty of things around the home that can make a serious sound – a good old wooden spoon and pot, or clanging two pot lids together. Looking for something slightly more tuneful? The best instruments for little fingers are things that can be hit or shaken. Think soft rattles for babies, simple wooden drums, maracas or xylophones. Music to your ears The good news is, there’s no real evidence that one type of music is better for your baby’s development than another – but there is evidence that music is a good thing overall. All that really matters is that you’re having fun and enjoying music with your little one. Because if you’re happy (and you know it), chances are your baby will be happy too!
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Making a Baby First Aid Kit
10 essentials for your baby’s first aid kit Be ready for emergencies and trips away You’ve Pinterested your dream nursery, sussed the decor and ticked off all the big purchases like a cot, pram and capsule. The reality of being responsible for a tiny person can take a while to sink in, and usually, a first aid kit for your baby isn’t top of mind. While you might have a couple of items like a thermometer and tiny nail clippers on your radar, a comprehensive first aid kit will set you up for years to come. It’s also easy to pop in your bag for trips away. Be sure to include these ten essentials: Thermometer – a thermometer you can trust can give you so much assurance. A non-contact thermometer like the NUK Baby Flash Thermometer makes the process super easy, and can even be used to see how hot your baby’s bath or food are too! Nasal decongestant and saline spray – unfortunately, it's only a matter of time before your little one gets their first cold and it usually means trouble feeding and sleeping. Since it’s a good few years until they can learn to blow their nose (usually around aged 2), a nasal decongestant combined with a saline nasal spray can help de-stuff and make feeding and sleeping a little easier. Nail clippers – cutting tiny nails for the first time can be a truly frightening experience and even worse, they seem to grow at lightning speed! Having some specific clippers on hand to keep nails short will prevent him from scratching himself. Emergency contacts – avoid scrambling on your phone by keeping important numbers like PlunketLine , Healthline and your local GP in an easy-to-find spot in your first aid kit – consider taping them to the inside of the lid. Pain relief – some form of over-the-counter pain relief such as liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen in your baby first aid kit can come in handy at all hours of the day or night. While you should always consult a professional (either your GP or an after-hours service) before administering any type of medicine, having this at the ready for fevers and minor aches and pains saves a trip to the pharmacy. An oral syringe – getting medicine into a baby can be tricky. The Haakaa Oral Syringe is an affordable, reusable syringe that is easy to use and easy to clean. Tweezers – even babies can get splinters! Rubbing alcohol swabs – grab a stash of these sterilising wipes to keep thermometers, tweezers and scissors clean. Plasters and antiseptic spray – even before they’re on the move, cuts and scrapes can happen. When they start moving, cuts and scrapes seem to happen every day! Disinfecting these and covering them with a small plaster will help them heal much faster. Gas relief drops – when burping doesn't seem to cut it, try infant gas relief drops. Learn more – take a course In addition to a well-stocked first aid kit for your baby, going along to a course specifically designed for dealing with littlies in an emergency is a great investment. Organisations like Plunket and Red Cross regularly hold affordable short courses designed to give you the confidence and basic skills needed to deal with emergencies until help arrives.
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How to Bath your Baby
Bathing your Newborn - Soothing, safe, and stress-free Bathing your baby is not only important for hygiene reasons, it’s also a great way to calm and relax them before bedtime. But when you first get home with a tiny, delicate newborn, baths can seem daunting. Getting the water temperature right, using the right products, holding a slippery baby securely – it can all be overwhelming if you haven’t done it before. The good news is, bathing is easy, as long as you follow a few simple safety precautions. Even better, you don’t need to bathe small babies every day. In fact, because their skin dries out so easily, too much exposure to water can actually cause irritation. Two to three baths a week is plenty for a newborn – just give them a gentle wash with a flannel on the other days. Here’s our guide to stress-free bathing from day one: 1. Fill your bath First, fill your bath with a few inches of warm water and place it somewhere safe and stable – the floor or kitchen bench works well. These days, there is a range of different baby baths to choose from – traditional models, convenient Flexi baths that pack away when you’re not using them, and the Shnuggle bath , which keeps baby upright in the water. 2. Test the temperature The ideal water temperature is 37°C. Warm and soothing, but not too hot for your baby’s delicate skin. Traditionally, parents test the water with the inside of their wrist, but you can invest in a water thermometer if you want to be sure. 3. Get your gear Before you undress your baby, make sure you have everything you need at arm’s reach – soft flannels or cloths, a gentle body wash , a clean baby towel , a fresh nappy, and PJs . You don’t want to be stuck trying to find something while you’re holding a wet, screaming baby. 4. Bring in the baby Get baby undressed. Before you place them in the water, use a flannel to drizzle a small amount over the back of their head. This way, going in won’t be such a shock. Gently lift your baby into the water, with one arm under their neck to support their head – your hand should be under their arm to make sure that they don't slip down. Keep that hand in place to keep the baby’s head out of the water while your other hand does the washing. If you’re using a Shnuggle bath , the sloping back, and bottom bump will help keep your baby upright, you just need to keep a hand on their chest to stop them slipping down. 5. Cleanse and protect Although some people prefer to stick to water for baby’s first few baths, it won’t necessarily be enough as your baby gets older. Even if they seem perfectly clean, sweat, skin cells, and other impurities can build up – particularly under nappies and in those chubby creases. Use a small amount of gentle cleanser or body wash to get rid of the grime. When their hair starts to grow, use a baby shampoo to keep it shiny and soft. 6. Top to bottom Using a clean, soft muslin cloth , wash baby’s face and head, gently wiping around each eye, around the nose and mouth, and behind the ears. Wash theirhair with cleanser or shampoo, and don’t forget the neck – dirt can build up there. Next, gently wash under their arms, followed by tummy and legs. Finally, wash their genitals and bottom, again making sure to gently wash between thigh creases. Rinse any leftover cleanser with a clean flannel or small cup of water. 7. Time to play If your baby is calm and the water is still warm, keep her in a little bit longer. Use a small jug or cup to pour warm water over their belly and chest, swish the water around them, and give them plenty of smiles – you want them to enjoy bath time right from the start. As they get older, you can add bath toys for them to grab as well. 8. Warm and dry When you’re ready to take baby out of the bath, lie a soft, dry towel on a soft surface or get your partner to hold it out. Use both hands to grasp your baby around their chest, supporting the head with your fingers. Lift them out and quickly wrap him in the towel. Because babies lose a lot of heat from their heads, it’s important to dry their hair first – that’s why hooded towels are a great option. Use the towel or a smaller cloth to carefully dry all your baby’s folds and creases – behind the knees, around the neck, and between the toes. Any moisture left behind could cause skin irritation or redness. 9. Moisturise and protect If your baby’s skin seems dry or irritated, now is the time to use a gentle, natural baby oil or lotion . Use a tiny amount and massage into baby’s skin, avoiding their eyes and nappy area. Before you dress them, it’s also a good idea to use a barrier cream to protect their delicate skin overnight. 10. Pyjama time Finally, dress your baby in a fresh nappy and cosy PJs – bath time is done! Extra safety tips Think about turning your home’s hot water temperature down, to avoid scalding or burns. Clean only what you see – don’t put anything inside baby’s ears or nose, and avoid pulling a baby boy’s foreskin. Never, ever leave baby alone in the bath, even for a second. Looking forward to bathing your newborn soon? Take a look at our baby bathing section for baths, towels, and everything else you need.
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