Why Bath Your Baby in the Sink?
There are many reasons why new parents consider bathing their baby in the sink. Some families may only have a shower in their bathroom, or they might not have access to a baby bath when they bring their new baby home. Other families might just be following on a tradition that has lasted generations!
Before the boom in the nursery industry (and way before there were so many new baby essentials to add to your shopping lists!) lots of families would bath their baby in the sink because there simply wasn’t any alternative. These days, baby bath tubs are aplenty, but still, lots of parents decide that sink baths are a lot more convenient- if it works for you, then why not?
Bathing Your Baby in the Sink vs. a Baby Bath
If you’re not sure whether or not to fill the sink or splash out on a baby bath, then it might be a good idea to consider the pros and cons of each.
Use Less Water
Sink baths tend to use less water as you’ve got a smaller space to work with, which is a huge plus for many. Not only will this cut down on water bills, but it’s a huge win for the planet too.
Easier on Your Back
Standing at the sink can be a lot kinder to your back than having to bend over a baby bath on the floor. Sink baths can also be a lot easier for new moms recovering from a c-section for this reason too.
Quick and Easy
It’s considerably faster and less hassle to fill the sink to give your baby a bath, than it is to get everything ready for the baby bath tub. Plus, you can have all your equipment ready to go on the draining board so it’s more easily accessible too.
Location is Key
Lots of kitchen sinks tend to be by the window in the kitchen and in cooler weather, this might not be ideal. The good thing about baby baths is that you can move them to other parts of the house when you need to.
Not All Sinks are Sized the Same
Most baby bath tubs will come in more or less the same size and shape, designed for small babies to use. Your sink can be deeper, shallower, smaller, bigger… not all sinks are great for sink baths so it’s worth checking the logistics before you write off investing in a tub.
Consider Your Cleaning Products
We’ll go over cleaning your sink later on, but for now it’s worth noting that you definitely will need to clean your sink before and after your baby has their bath- so consider what products you’re going to be using.
Preparing the Sink for Baby’s Bath
So, you’ve decided that a sink bath is the way to go – great! Now it’s time to get everything ready to make sure your baby is safe, comfortable and squeaky clean.
Thoroughly Clean the Sink
First things first, you’ll need to give your sink a really good clean before your baby’s bath. Use a non-toxic, fragrance-free cleaning product to make sure there are no lingering chemicals or residue that could irritate your baby’s delicate skin. Give it a good scrub and a rinse to make sure it’s spotless.
Check the Water Temperature
One of the most important things to get right is the water temperature. Babies have very sensitive skin, so you’ll want to make sure the water is never too hot. Use your wrist or elbow to check the temperature – it should feel warm, but not hot. Aim for around 37°C (98°F).
Gather all Your Essentials
Having everything you need within easy reach will make the whole process a lot smoother. Make sure you have a soft towel, a clean wash cloth, baby soap, shampoo, a cup for rinsing and any other baby bath time essentials ready to go before you start.
Make It Non-Slip
Babies can be slippery little customers, so you’ll want to make sure the sink has a non-slip surface or mat to keep them secure. You can buy special non-slip mats made for baby baths, or even use a clean, damp washcloth to line the bottom of the sink.
Get the Sink the Right Size
As we mentioned earlier, not all sinks are created equal when it comes to bathing a baby. Ideally, you want a sink that’s deep enough for your baby to be fully supported, but not so deep that you have to strain to reach them. Double check the dimensions before you start.
Sink Bath Time: Step-by-Step
Alright, you’re all set up and ready to go. Time to get your baby squeaky clean! Here’s how to nail the perfect sink bath:
Step 1: Fill the Sink
Start by filling the sink with a few inches of warm water. Remember to check the temperature with your wrist or elbow to make sure it’s not too hot. You might want to have a jug of cool water on hand to top it up if needed.
Step 2: Undress and Place Baby in the Sink
Gently undress your baby and lower them into the sink, supporting their head and neck at all times. Make sure they’re fully supported and comfortable.
Step 3: Wet, Wash and Rinse
Use your washcloth to gently wet your baby’s hair and body, then apply a small amount of mild baby soap or shampoo. Carefully rinse away any soap or shampoo.
Step 4: Keep Baby Warm
To stop your baby from getting cold, you can drape a damp washcloth over their chest or tummy while you wash. Just be careful not to let it cover their face.
Step 5: Pat Dry and Dress
Once your baby is all clean, gently lift them out of the sink and pat them dry with a soft towel. Then pop them into a fresh diaper and cozy outfit.
Staying Safe During Sink Baths
Safety should always be your number one priority when bathing your baby, whether it’s in the sink or a baby bath. Here are some top tips to keep your little one secure:
Never Leave Them Unattched
Babies need constant supervision during bath time. Never, ever leave your baby alone in the sink, not even for a second. They can easily slip under the water or roll over.
Support Their Head and Neck
Babies have very little head and neck control when they’re young, so you’ll need to keep a firm, gentle grip to support those areas at all times.
Prevent Slips and Falls
Use a non-slip mat or washcloth in the bottom of the sink to stop your baby from sliding around. You can also try bracing one hand behind their back to keep them stable.
Check the Water Temperature
As we mentioned before, the water needs to be warm, not hot. Use your wrist or elbow to test it before popping your baby in.
Keep Everything Close By
Make sure you have everything you need within easy reach before you start the bath. You don’t want to have to leave your baby unattended to grab something.
Cleaning Up After Sink Baths
Once bath time is over and your freshly cleaned baby is all dressed and ready for cuddles, it’s time to tidy up. Here’s how to clean up after a sink bath:
Drain the Water
First things first, drain the sink of any used bathwater. You may want to give the sink a quick rinse too, just to make sure there’s no leftover soap or baby grime.
Wipe Down the Sink
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the sink, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. You can use a small amount of mild, fragrance-free cleaning product if needed.
Disinfect the Sink
To properly disinfect the sink, you can use a diluted bleach solution or a natural, plant-based disinfectant. Give it a good scrub and rinse to make sure there are no lingering chemicals.
Air Dry the Sink
Let the sink air dry completely before using it again. You can give it a final wipe down with a clean, dry cloth if needed.
Wash Your Supplies
Don’t forget to give your baby’s washcloth, towels and any other supplies a good wash too. You want to make sure everything is squeaky clean for next time.
Conclusion
Sink baths can be a fantastic, convenient option for new parents, as long as you take the right precautions to keep your little one safe and comfortable. With a bit of preparation and some common sense, sink baths can be a great way to bond with your baby and make bath time a stress-free experience.
