Colin Snow
Many new parents wonder if it is safe to shower while their newborn is sleeping. It is generally considered safe to shower while your baby is napping, as long as they are in a safe sleeping place, such as a crib or bassinet, with no blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals. Some parents bring their baby monitor into the bathroom or keep the bathroom door open to keep an eye on their baby while they shower. Others prefer to wait until their partner or a trusted friend or family member is available to watch the baby. While some parents shower with their baby, it is generally recommended to wait until they are older than newborns to reduce the risk of falls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Showering while the newborn sleeps | It is generally considered safe to shower while your newborn sleeps, as long as they are in a safe sleeping place, like a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and no extra items. |
| Timing | It is recommended to shower as soon as the newborn is fully asleep to reduce the risk of them waking up and crying. |
| Baby monitoring | Some parents bring a baby monitor into the bathroom or leave the bathroom door open to monitor their baby while showering. Others prefer to wait until their partner or a trusted friend or family member is available to watch the baby. |
| Baby's comfort | It is suggested to ensure the baby is fed, burped, and sleepy before showering, as the soothing sounds of the shower may help them stay asleep. |
| Baby's safety | It is important to babyproof the bathroom if the baby is playing in the bathroom while the parent showers. |
| Showering with the baby | Some parents shower with their older babies, taking precautions such as using baby-specific soaps and shampoos, avoiding hot water, and being mindful of the increased fall risk. |
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What You'll Learn
Baby-proofing the bathroom
It is understandable to want to shower while your newborn is sleeping. Before you do so, ensure that 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 could also bring the baby monitor into the bathroom with you or leave the bathroom door open so you can hear your baby if they wake up.
If you plan to let your baby play in the bathroom while you shower, it is important to baby-proof the bathroom first. Here are some ways to baby-proof your bathroom:
- Use cordless blinds for windows.
- Install window limiters to prevent falls.
- If you have sliding shower doors, add a door lock to prevent your child from accidentally locking themselves in or out.
- Protect electrical outlets and unplug appliances.
- Use caution when using items like curling irons and hair dryers, as they can cause burn injuries if left on a countertop.
- Do not plug anything into outlets near the sink, toilet, or bathtub.
- Never leave buckets of liquid accessible to children, as infants may fall in and have difficulty freeing themselves.
- Use absorbent non-skid rugs to prevent falls.
- Add latches to cabinet doors and drawers to prevent access to dangerous items such as cleaning supplies, medicines, toiletries, razors, etc.
- Install a toilet lid lock to prevent toddlers from falling into the toilet or playing with toilet water.
- Store dangerous items out of reach, such as shampoos, cleaning supplies, medicines, razors, etc.
- Keep the bathroom door closed and latched to prevent access by young children.
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Asking someone else to watch the baby
It is completely understandable to want to shower while your newborn is sleeping. However, this may not always be possible, and you may not feel comfortable leaving your newborn unattended. In such cases, asking someone else to watch the baby can be a good solution.
You can ask your partner, a trusted friend, or a family member to come over and care for the baby while you take some time to relax and shower. This way, you can ensure that your newborn is safe and attended at all times. It can be much easier and less stressful to fit a shower into your routine when you have an extra pair of hands to help care for your baby.
If you're a single parent or your partner is unavailable, consider reaching out to your support network. Family members, such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles, may be delighted to spend time with the baby while you take care of yourself. Alternatively, you could ask a close friend or neighbour whom you trust. You could even form a support system with other new parents in your community, where you take turns watching each other's babies to allow for some much-needed self-care time.
When asking someone else to watch your baby, it is essential to provide them with all the information they need to care for your newborn adequately. Let them know about your baby's routine, feeding schedule, likes, and dislikes. Also, ensure that they have your contact information and that they know how to reach you in case of an emergency.
Remember, it is normal to need a break, and it is okay to ask for help. By taking care of yourself, you will be in a better position to care for your newborn. So, don't hesitate to reach out to your support network and ask for assistance when you need a moment to yourself.
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Using a baby monitor
It is generally considered safe to shower while your newborn sleeps. This is a good time to shower because your baby is less likely to need you for a few minutes. However, you may still want to keep an eye or ear on them, which is where baby monitors come in.
If you have a baby monitor, bring it into the bathroom with you. This will allow you to listen out for your baby and glance at them periodically. You can place the monitor on a countertop or, if it's on your phone, lean it against the shower glass. If you don't have a baby monitor, leave the bathroom door open so you can hear your baby if they wake up.
If you're comfortable leaving your baby unattended for a few minutes, you can also use the monitor to check on them while you shower at other times. For example, some parents use a monitor to keep an eye on their baby in another room while they're awake and playing in a bouncer or activity centre.
Other options
If you don't have a baby monitor, there are a few other options to consider:
- Ask someone else to watch your baby while you shower. This could be your partner, a trusted friend, or a family member.
- Bring your baby's rocker or bouncer into the bathroom with you. Make sure to babyproof the bathroom first.
- Take a shower with your baby. However, this can be risky due to the slippery surface, and it's generally recommended to wait until your baby is older before bringing them into the shower with you. If you do choose to shower with your baby, take the necessary safety precautions, such as using lukewarm water and baby-specific shampoos and cleansers.
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Timing your shower
Showering while your newborn sleeps is a great way to ensure you get some self-care time. It can be stressful to juggle a newborn and your own personal care, but there are ways to make it work.
Firstly, it's important to note that it is generally advised to wait until your baby is older before bringing them into the shower with you. However, if you are able to time your shower when your newborn is sleeping, this can be a good opportunity for you to take care of yourself.
Try to get in the shower as soon as your baby is fully asleep, to reduce the risk of them waking up and needing you while you're still in the shower. Before you start, make sure your baby is in a safe sleeping place, such as a crib or bassinet, with no extra items like blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals. You could also bring their bouncer or rocker into the bathroom with you, so they are within eyesight.
If you're comfortable doing so, you can leave the bathroom door open so you can hear your baby while you shower. Alternatively, bring a baby monitor into the bathroom, or place the baby in a spot where you can see them from the shower.
If your baby is awake and you need to shower, choose a time when they have been recently fed, burped, and have a clean diaper, so they are less likely to need you for a few minutes. You could also wait until your partner or another trusted caregiver is home to watch the baby.
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Showering with your baby
Showering with a newborn can be challenging, but there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you could shower while your baby is asleep. If you choose to do this, ensure your baby is in a safe sleeping place, such as a crib or bassinet, with no extra items like blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals. You can keep the bathroom door open so you can hear your baby, or bring a baby monitor into the bathroom. It's also a good idea to shower when your baby is fed, burped, and sleepy, as they are less likely to wake up.
Another option is to bring your baby into the bathroom with you. Some parents let their babies play in the bathroom while they shower, but it's essential to ensure the space is completely baby-proofed. Others bring their baby rocker or bouncer into the bathroom and strap their baby in, so they can keep an eye on them while they shower.
If you want to shower with your baby, it's best to wait until they are a little older than the newborn stage. You can then consider taking shorter, cooler showers, using baby soaps and shampoos, and avoiding getting the spray in your baby's face. The shower floor can be slippery, so it's essential to take precautions to avoid falling or dropping your baby.
If you have a partner, you can also take turns getting clean or ask them to stand by and hand you the baby when you're done. Showering with a newborn can be stressful, so if you have the option, you could wait until your partner or a trusted friend or family member is available to watch your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is okay to shower while your newborn sleeps. It is probably the easiest way to shower when your newborn is napping. Try to get in the shower as soon as they fall asleep, so you don't risk them waking up and crying while you are covered in soap.
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). Leave the bathroom door open so you can hear if they wake up, or bring the baby monitor into the bathroom with you.
It is fine to let your newborn cry for a few minutes while you rinse off, as long as they are safe. If you are uncomfortable with this idea, you can always wait until your partner or a trusted friend or family member is available to watch your baby.
You can bring the baby rocker or bouncer into the bathroom with you. Some parents let their baby play in the bathroom while they shower, but you must ensure that the bathroom is baby-proofed first. You can also take a shower with your baby, but it can be risky as the shower is slippery, and you must be careful not to drop them.
Take shorter, cooler showers and use baby soaps and shampoos to avoid hurting your baby's sensitive skin and eyes. Avoid having the spray hit your baby's face, and limit their time in the shower to a few minutes if the water is hot.
