The Mom I Want to Be

 

0-3 months, Attachment, Bath Time, Water Play

 

Treat yourself to a soothing bath with your baby, making bath time a cozy, relaxing playtime instead of a chore.  Be sure the room is warm (run the shower hot a few moments if necessary before filling the tub).  Keep two large towels nearby, with one on the floor next to the tub so you have a place to set the baby a moment while you get in and out of the tub.  As the two of you enjoy the water together, sing to your baby.  Sing your favorite pop tunes or Sinatra classics – what you sing doesn’t matter as long as you enjoy it.  Music creates intimacy and connectedness.  Even in the bathtub you can rock your baby in your arms as you sing or hum.  Or you can nestle your infant on your legs on your lap and move with the music the two of you are making together.  Keep baby submerged in the warm bath water (or wrapped in a light cotton blanket while in the water if your baby prefers to be swaddled), as the air will feel cool to a wet baby and can cause discomfort and disrupt the soothing mood.