Gina Johnson
Many new parents wonder how they will find the time to shower when they have a newborn. While it may be tempting to shower with your baby, this can be risky due to the slipperiness of the shower and the potential for the water pressure or shower products to irritate your baby's skin or eyes. The best time to shower is when your baby is sleeping, but this can be stressful for new parents. To reduce stress, make sure your baby is in a safe sleeping place, like a crib or bassinet, and keep the baby monitor close by or leave the bathroom door open so you can hear if they wake up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Showering when the newborn is sleeping | It is fine to shower when your newborn is sleeping as long as they are in a safe sleeping place, like a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and no extra items (like blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals). |
| Baby monitor | You can bring a baby monitor into the bathroom or keep the bathroom door open so you can hear if the baby wakes up. |
| Showering with a newborn | It is risky to shower with a newborn as the shower is slippery, and there is a greater fall risk. |
| Showering when the baby is awake | When the baby is older, you can shower when they are awake by putting them in a bouncer or on a blanket on the floor. |
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What You'll Learn
Ask someone else to watch your baby while you shower
If you're home alone with your newborn, it can be challenging to find time to shower. One option is to ask someone else to watch your baby while you shower. This could be your partner, a trusted friend, or a family member. Having someone else take care of the baby for a short time can help you relax and give you some much-needed time to yourself.
If you're on your own, you might want to wait until your baby is asleep. You can bring their bassinet or baby bouncer within eyesight of the shower and let the soothing sounds of the running water work in your favour. Just make sure your baby is in a safe sleeping place, like a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and no extra items such as blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals.
If your baby is awake, you can keep them nearby in an activity centre or play yard. You can also try to shower when your baby is awake by putting them in a bouncer or on a blanket on the floor, letting them be entertained by the sound of the water and the interesting things to look at in the bathroom.
Once your baby is older, you can try showering with them. However, it can be risky as both you and the baby are slippery, and the floor can be too. It's best to wait until your baby is past the newborn stage before bringing them into the shower with you.
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Bring your baby monitor into the bathroom
If you're home alone with your newborn and need to take a shower, it's generally considered fine to leave them alone for a few minutes while you do so. It's probably best to do this when your baby is sleeping, so you don't have to worry about them fussing or crying. Before you head into the bathroom, make sure your baby is in a safe sleeping place, like a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and no extra items such as blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals.
If you're worried about leaving your baby alone while you shower, you can bring your baby monitor into the bathroom with you. This way, you can keep an eye (or ear) on them while you wash. If your baby monitor is on your phone, you can lean it against the shower glass and glance at it every so often. Alternatively, place it on a countertop where you can see it while you're in the shower. Just make sure the volume is turned up!
If you're still in the early days of parenthood and are feeling anxious about leaving your baby alone, you could try keeping your showers short—skip washing your hair and just go for a quick body wash instead. You could also try showering when your partner is home, or when a trusted friend or family member can sit with your baby.
As your baby gets older, you can try showering when they're awake. Put them in a bouncer or on a blanket on the floor, and let them be entertained by the sound of the water and all the interesting things to look at in the bathroom!
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Shower with your baby, but only when they are older
Showering with your baby can be a fun and practical solution, but it is important to wait until they are older and take some precautions to ensure their safety.
Firstly, it is generally recommended to wait until your baby is past the newborn stage before bringing them into the shower with you. Newborns have delicate skin and sensitive eyes, so typical shower gels and shampoos may irritate them. Additionally, the shower environment can be quite hazardous, with slippery surfaces increasing the risk of falls.
Once your baby is older, you can try showering with them, but it is essential to plan carefully. Here are some tips to make it a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Use a baby bathtub or a basin with a small amount of water on the shower floor. This allows you to kneel outside the shower and bathe your baby without exposing them to the direct stream of water, which can be quite strong.
- If your baby is old enough to sit up unassisted, you can try using a baby showerhead and let them enjoy their own adorable shower while you supervise and assist as needed.
- Always ensure that the water temperature is comfortable and not too hot for your baby's sensitive skin.
- Be mindful of the time spent in the shower. Newborns can quickly become chilled, so keep bath time short, around 5-10 minutes.
- After the shower, gently pat your baby dry with a soft towel, paying attention to the folds of their skin. Dress them promptly in clean, dry clothes to prevent chilling.
Showering with your baby can be a fun bonding experience, but it is important to prioritise their safety and comfort at all times. Always remember to use a baby-safe bath product and consult your paediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's skin or well-being.
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Shower when your baby is napping in their bassinet
It can be challenging to find time for yourself when you have a newborn baby, and many new parents wonder how they will ever find time to shower again! However, it is important for your physical and mental health to practice self-care, and this can include taking a shower while your baby is napping in their bassinet.
Firstly, ensure your baby is in a safe sleeping place, such as a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and no extra items like blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals. You should always follow safe sleep practices and leave your baby on their back in a safe space. If your baby is fed, burped, and changed, they are more likely to be content and settle into a peaceful sleep.
Before you take your shower, set up a baby monitor so you can keep an eye or ear on your baby. Many parents use their phones as a monitor, placing it on a countertop or against the shower glass where they can see or hear it. You can also leave the bathroom door open so you can hear if your baby wakes up.
If you are showering while your baby is napping, try to keep it quick. You can always wash your hair another time or have a longer shower when your partner or another caregiver is present. Remember, it is okay to let your baby cry for a few minutes while you finish your shower. As long as they are safe and their basic needs are met, a few minutes of crying will not harm them.
If you are hesitant to leave your baby alone while they nap, you can try showering with your baby. However, this can be risky due to the slippery surfaces and the possibility of shocking your baby with the water pressure. If you do decide to shower with your baby, wait until they are older than the newborn stage and always take the necessary safety precautions.
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Make sure your baby is in a safe sleeping place
To make sure your baby is in a safe sleeping place, follow the ABCs of safe sleep: your baby should sleep Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib. Here are some more tips to ensure your baby is in a safe sleeping place:
Alone
Infants and babies of any age should never sleep in your bed or on a couch, sofa, or armchair. They could roll off, get stuck in a gap, or suffocate on a pillow. Babies also shouldn’t sleep in a carrier, sling, car seat, or stroller. If your baby falls asleep in one of these, move them to their crib as soon as possible.
Back
Always place your baby to sleep on their back. If you notice your newborn or young baby is sleeping on their side or stomach, gently reposition them onto their back. Sleeping on their back helps to reduce the risk of choking, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Crib
Babies should always sleep in a crib, bassinet, or play yard. Make sure your baby’s sleeping spot has a wide base (so it’s not easy to knock over). It should also have a firm mattress with a snug fit, and sides that are at least 15 inches high (measured from the mattress base).
Other tips
- Keep your baby’s crib in your room for the first 6 months to 1 year (or until they can roll over both ways on their own and sleep for longer periods).
- Ensure your baby's sleeping environment is comfortable by keeping the room cool and dressing them in the right clothes.
- If your baby is in a sling, never carry hot food or liquids at the same time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can shower when your newborn is sleeping. It is recommended to bring your baby monitor into the bathroom and keep the door open so you can hear and see if your baby wakes up.
Before you shower, make sure your baby is in a safe sleeping place, like a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and no extra items (like blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals).
It is fine to let your newborn cry for a few minutes while you rinse off, as long as they are safe.
Showering with a newborn can be risky as the shower is slippery, and there is a greater risk of falling. It is recommended to wait until your baby is older before bringing them into the shower with you.
You can ask someone else to watch your baby while you shower, such as a trusted friend or family member. You can also try showering when your baby is awake by putting them in a bouncer or on a blanket on the floor, so they are entertained by the sound of water.
