BATH time with a baby can be a bit of a nightmare, but there are a few easy tricks that'll stop the crying and make it a breeze.
Emma Hubbard is a Paediatric occupational therapist and she shared five simple changes parents can make before and during bath time.
According to the parenting pro it's not unusual for babies to hate bath time, but they can actually enjoy them if you know how to do it right.
Keep the right temperature
Keeping your little one warm is the key to a peaceful bath time, but this includes more than just the temperature of the water.
Emma says it starts with making sure the room is warm when you undress them because "a cold baby is a crying baby."
This could mean you close windows and doors 20 minutes before hand or turn on a space heater to keep things cosy.
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As for the water temperature, it shouldn't be too hot or cold with the ideal temperature being 38°C.
The pro says to "check the water temperature use a thermometer or place your elbow into the water. The water itself should feel warm, not hot."
Use a dummy
If your baby still isn't enjoying bath time a dummy can help soothe and relax them.
"When a baby sucks on a pacifier or their hands their brain releases the hormones dopamine and serotonin and endorphins and these hormones help to soothe and calm a baby," Emma explained.
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If you don't have a dummy to hand you can position their hand so they can suck on that to help bring the tears to a halt.
Make sure they're fed and rested
"A tired or hungry baby is a cranky baby," Emma says.
So making sure they've had a good nap and have been fed beforehand can make a difference.
That said, you might have to switch up when bath time is and even move it to the day rather than include it in your night routine.
Use additional support
According to the parenting expert, some babies don't like the feeling of floating in water and will be much happier when their body is more upright.
For this, you can use a baby bath support.
"The wrap around support these products provide can help make your little one feel more comfortable and safe when they're laying in the bath," she explained.
It's important to remember these products doesn't mean it's safe to leave a baby unattended during bath time since they can often slip out of them still.
Consider the noise in the room
Newborns and babies can find the sound of running water "overwhelming" as well as the sound of the bath being drained.
This is a simple fix – avoid brining your baby into the room as you fill up their bath and empty it once they're no longer there too.
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"If this isn't possible consider using a white noise machine to mask the noise of the water.
"You can also try and distract your baby with song and conversation," the parenting whizz explained.
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