Bath time is a delightful and relaxing moment, but that’s not always how babies see it. Some consider bath time a torture session and only calm down and stop crying once they are dressed again. With that in mind, methods have been researched and developed to soothe babies during what should be a pleasurable moment, leading to the discovery of the bucket bath.
The bucket bath is currently the most popular method among modern moms seeking to provide a relaxing moment for their babies. This especially helps babies who tend to be restless and couldn’t take a regular bath without putting on a real show of tears. This bath not only cleanses the baby perfectly but also provides pure relaxation by allowing the baby to be in a position similar to the womb, or rather, to once again feel as if they are inside their mother’s belly. To provide this beneficial experience, you don’t need many precautions or luxury. Just having a regular oval, transparent bucket that’s big enough for the baby to sit comfortably is enough. You can also find suitable products made specifically for bucket baths, which are called tummy tubs or shantala tubs. They are easy to find in baby stores with a wide range of prices. It’s worth shopping around for the best price, as many manufacturers and brands now produce them.
There is no specific age for starting the bucket bath. It can be used in the very first days after birth, obviously always with great care. Parents who want to use this method with their babies should prepare before trying it, by researching and learning the right, comfortable, and safe way to handle the baby inside the bucket. If possible, try to speak with a physical therapist who can teach you everything properly.
How to Give a Bucket Bath? What Are the Benefits?
As mentioned above, there is a wide variety of buckets that can be used for this type of bath. From regular house cleaning buckets to those made especially for this purpose. However, the only requirements are that it be oval, for the baby’s comfort, and transparent so the mother can easily see from the outside, allowing her to check the water’s color and observe the baby’s movements, and of course, that the bucket is used only for this purpose. Choose a steady, secure place to set the bucket down, and ideally fill the bucket halfway with water or just ¼ if the baby is very young, as the water level will rise when the baby is placed in it. The recommended temperature is between 36 and 37°C (97-99°F) and should be checked strictly, if possible using a bath thermometer. This helps prevent burns from hot water or a bath that’s too cold. To make the moment even more relaxing, you might want to play some soothing background music.
Gently lower the baby into the water so they can get used to the temperature. The correct position is seated, with legs and arms bent, in a fetal position. For very young babies who can’t support their own necks, you can wrap them in a cloth diaper for added security or lovingly support their head by hand. Go slowly until the baby’s back touches the bottom of the bucket, always keeping an eye on the water level to make sure it doesn’t reach their face. The bucket bath should last about 10 to 15 minutes and the baby should never be left alone in the bucket, as even the youngest babies can push with their legs and may try to stand, fall out of the bucket, or even fall asleep in the water. Remember to clean the baby in case of a bowel movement before putting them in the water, to avoid contaminating the bath water with waste.
The benefits of the bucket bath are varied, from its calming effect to helping reduce those dreaded baby colic. It helps stimulate the baby’s blood circulation and assists in flushing toxins out of the body. It also stimulates the baby’s nervous system and reduces restlessness, with many babies even falling asleep during the bath. After a bucket bath, babies often sleep peacefully for hours, so it is especially recommended in the evening.
See also: Newborn Bath – An Unforgettable Moment
Photo: Andy Beaumont, Tracy
