Spilly Spoon… Non-Spill Medicine Spoon for Children

 

Spilly Spoon … The Caterpillar Character Non-Spill Medicine Spoon for Babies, Toddlers & Children

Pour the medicine into the handle and you can then lay Spilly Spoon flat on a work surface without spilling, enabling you to pick up your child and administer the medicine!

As a parent, you may have all experienced chasing a child around the kitchen trying not to spill medicine on the floor.  When you have a very poorly child and they don’t want to take their medicine, the Spilly Spoon is the perfect solution.  Designed to introduce a fun element into what can be a stressful situation, Spilly Spoon is the definitive safe and non-spill medicine spoon.

• The Spilly Spoon is a non-spill medicine spoon with a caterpillar character theme that is both appealing and child friendly whilst still being practical.
• Medicine can be measured accurately on the calibrated section in measurements of 2.5ml, 5ml, 7.5ml, 10ml.
• Spilly Spoon is also ideal to use in the middle of the night when visibility may be poor.  No one wants to have to change bedding or pyjamas when everything is covered in medicine.
• Spilly Spoon is great for the independent growing infant.  When your child gets to a certain age they want to do everything themselves and that includes taking their own medicine.  The downside is mess but not with a Spilly Spoon
• Spilly Spoon means no mess for mum and dad to clear up!
• Not all children like taking medicine and the Spilly Spoon introduces a fun element making administration easier.
• Some children are scared of the syringe and will not take medicine from it.
• You do not spill the medicine when administering into a Spilly Spoon as the medicine is poured into the handle and tipped into the child’s mouth
• The Spilly spoon enables a child to self-administer without spilling under adult supervision.
• Designed and manufactured in the UK.

EASY TO USE AND CLEAN

• Wash with warm soapy water
• Dishwasher safe
• Steriliser safe

CHILD-SAFE

• Everything about Spilly Spoon has been designed with safety in mind.
• And that’s why we’ve been approved by the most important safety bodies in the UK, including the Baby Products Association.

https://cinnamonsue.co.za/product/spilly-spoon-the-non-spill-medicine-spoon-for-children/

Baby SweeTooth Ice Cream Teethers ... Sweetly Simple, Playfully Perfect, Safe and Effective - New & Improved Version!

The best things is life are both simple and fun …

Baby SweeTooth is an adorable little baby teether shaped like a traditional ice cream cone, which provides various widths and surface textures that are great for teething.

The ice cream cone is ergonomically designed for little hands to grasp when held right side up or upside down, with the ice cream portion slightly softer than the cone, so baby can choose their desired bite surface based on the their teething stage or preference.

The ice cream and cone are joined together during the moulding process which creates a natural silicone to silicone bond – no glue or chemical adhesives are ever used.

Fits together perfectly with the lil’Sidekick tether (as per images & available from our online store) or any strap attachment option of your choice.

• Softer smooth swirl and firm textured cone which provides various widths and surfaces offering teething stage bite options which provides various widths and surface;

• Easy to hold, strengthens fine motor skills, stimulates tactile and visual senses;

• Made from 100% solid silicone – there are no closed holes for mould to grow - Superior Quality: Made from 100% silicone that surpasses safety standards in the US, Canada, and Europe.

• Gentle and mild vanilla scent – helps to soothe and calm baby whilst also stimulating their developing sense of smell. The mint version is sweetly mint scented. The scent extract is 100% safe and meets all FDA regulations.  hile pleasantly scented, SweeTooth is completely flavourless.

                                                                           

• Sized to fit comfortably in baby’s little hand and mouth - 8 cm tall x 4.5 at widest part.

• Freezer /fridge safe – can be chilled before use to help soothe sore gums;

• Non-Toxic: No BPA, PVC, or Phthalates. Guaranteed. With SweeTooth you never need to worry about chemicals and toxins chemicals and toxins.

• Hypoallergenic, Antimicrorbial and naturally latex-free;

• FDA and CE certified to meet or exceed safety standards in the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia;

• Made in USA: Made in America from 100% premium silicone. Child safety and parent peace of mind is our priority and promise.

                   

Easy To Clean: Cleaning is simple. Hand wash or put in top rack of the dishwasher.

Age Suitability: Designed as a soft teething device for babies only within the age range of 4 to 24 months.

Eco-Friendly: Recycle or repurpose after teething. Add to your child’s toy box and inspire creative play.

https://cinnamonsue.co.za/product-tag/baby-sweetooth/

www.cinnamonsue.co.za

*Like with all baby toys & teethers, SweeTooth should be used under adult supervision. Inspect all baby teethers often. All teethers wear with use and have a functional lifecycle. 

Multi Award-Winning BabyCup ... perfect for your little ones healthy sipping journey and as part of their healthy start in life!

BACK IN SOUTH AFRICA … The Multi Award-Winning BabyCup

Parents Love BabyCup First Cups 

Health Experts Recommend BabyCup First Cups … the First Cup Dentists and Orthodontists recommend. Has the thumbs up for dental health and jaw development.

Supports oral health, sipping and fine motor skills.

BabyCup is simple and that is the beauty of it. No lid, no handle. No moving parts. No hard to reach areas to gather mould or bacteria.

Mini open cups, “We tried different sizes and for little ones’ mouths and hands this was the size that ticked all the boxes for us.”

Pack contains 4 cups – vibrant colours. Translucent so your child can see inside. Baby and toddler mini open drinking cups, perfectly proportioned for little hands; All the cups you’ll need to see you through weaning.

Encourages sipping, better for oral health, helps fine motor skills. Proper sipping sippy cup – the healthy training cup. Superb age range – For 0 -2.5 years+ (for all milestones and 101 uses). Encourages sipping. Mini open cups; 5.2cm tall; capacity 50ml.

Also suitable for cup-feeding infants – can be used to cup-feed expressed milk, avoiding the need for teats and bottles (please discuss with your healthcare professional) and for helping with milk-feeding during feeding challenges such as tongue tie, cleft or latch problems.

4m+ Sipping: for introducing small sips.

6m+ Weaning: ideal first cup for drinking at weaning time.

• 100% Recyclable, loved by parents and perfectly-sized for little hands and mouths;

• Non-toxic, BPA free, phthalates free; high quality production, sleek design, non-toxic, durable, dishwasher safe; steam steriliser safe;

• Proper cup design to help little hands learn the ‘put down’ action without the juddering that can come from non-slip or grippy bases;

• Children enjoy using open cups just like their siblings, parents or carers;

• Easy to clean – nowhere for germs to hide;

• Dishwasher safe; steam steriliser safe;

• Made in the UK.

 

A pack of BabyCups should be on every mom-to-be’s baby registry!  

https://cinnamonsue.co.za/product-category/baby_cup_weaning/

Six steps to more sleep for baby (and you!)

Six steps to more sleep for baby (and you!) 

by The Kippins Team 

It's the word that can divide a Mother's Group. Some swear by it, others recoil in horror. So just what is the deal with baby sleep routines, and is everybody getting it wrong?

Sleep expert Erika Lamour from The Sleep Dept. breaks it down for us.

Us humans are creatures of habit. We tend to sleep on the same side of the bed, go to the same coffee shop and take the same route to work every day. While we may occasionally make a conscious effort to shake things up to avoid falling into a rut, our routines are quite deeply ingrained. So much so that when there’s a drastic change to our daily rituals, we can feel quite disoriented and unsettled. Ever noticed how you can’t get to sleep the first night you’re in a different bed or when your partner isn’t there? It’s no coincidence. Humans thrive on familiarity, especially when it comes to sleep. And your little one is no exception.

Establishing a baby sleep routine is absolutely essential when it comes to getting your bub to fall asleep and stay asleep. While during the day, you want to constantly be introducing new toys and activities to keep your bub’s brain active, consistency is key at bedtime. By putting your baby to bed the same way every day, you’re sending the message that it’s time for them to drift off to the land of nod. Here are some things to consider when it comes to creating a solid baby sleep routine.

Timing

Whether it’s putting your bub down for naps during the day or their bigger sleep at night, timing is everything. Newborns don’t have the ability to tell night from day, so establishing a sleep schedule can be helpful in establishing their circadian rhythm. Of course, you don’t have to put them to bed at the exact same time to the minute. Personally, I prefer to base my baby sleep timings off awake times, rather than a strict timing schedule.  The amount of naps and their duration depends on the age of your baby.

Objects

Objects can be extremely useful in instilling a sense of comfort and familiarity into bedtime for your babe. This could be a toy that you play with before you put them to bed, or a specific blanket they sleep with. When your baby gets a bit older (from about six months onward) you can also put them to bed with a soft comfort toy. Just be mindful of avoiding anything that has attachments that could potentially be a choke hazard.

Rituals

Creating bedtime rituals can not only help your baby build positive sleep habits, they can also be a great bonding experience between parents and bubs. This could be anything from giving them a bath before bedtime, playing a certain game with them, reading them a book or singing them a lullaby. Just make sure it’s going to be something you can maintain — you don’t want to have to sing them the entire Frozen soundtrack every night until they’re three!

Conditions

Just like us, babies sleep best when they’re not too cold, not too warm (just like Goldilocks!) and in a quiet, dark surroundings. By ensuring they have these conditions each and every night, you can put them on the path to being a champion sleeper. It’s also best to avoid allowing your bub to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings, like in the car or when you’re out and about, as this can create unhelpful sleep associations.

Food

Food is the final piece of the sleep routine puzzle. Feeding your bub at irregular times, too close to bedtime or giving them midnight snacks can work against you when it comes to building strong sleep habits. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least an hour between their last meal and putting them down to sleep. What they eat is equally important, too. .

Kippins are the experts when it comes to nighttime routines and natural, positive sleep associations. 

Shop our range of Cuddle Blankies that can be used as a positive sleep association.

www.kippins.co 

***

Get MORE SLEEP WITH A KIPPIN

Baby waking up every 40 minutes? Rocking, feeding or singing to sleep. Every. Single. Night? There's a simple way to get more sleep and it's called a Kippin Cuddle Blankie.  A comforter isn't a replacement for love and cuddles, it's a friend that reminds babe you're never far away (and ya know, you're the kind of person that likes sleeping and showering and stuff), and teaches them to fall asleep on their own - happily! Non-toxic, natural, safe, breathable and nasties free.

The KippinTales book makes the perfect nighttime story that links your child's toy with their favourite friend. 

Kippins Story-Print Muslin Wraps are huge and perfect as lightweight blankets to help regulate baby's temperature, and feature scenes from The KippinTales. 

www.cinnamonsue.co.za

info@cinnamonsue.co.za

Tips for Travelling at Christmas

7 November 2018  by Cuddledry

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Where will you be spending Christmas this year? Some of us may opt to either get away from it all with a spot of winter sun ( are we jealous? YES!) but many tend to stay a little closer to home, with a few overnight breaks dotted in here and there to accommodate family. Whether you're headed far and wide, or whether you're booked in at the in-laws this year, there's no denying you're going to need to get organised. Here are our top three tips for travelling at Christmas.

Make a list, and check it twice...

This time of year, there's SO MUCH to remember. If you don't write it down, you're going to forget, so make this the first and most important tip you take away from this post. When you go away at Christmas, even if only for just one night, you need to remember at least the following:

• Clothes for you 
• Clothes for baby
• Toiletries for you
• Toiletries for baby
• Nappies, wipes and feeding equipment
• First aid kit
• Sterlising equipment
• Comforters and blankets
• Christmas presents
• Christmas cards
• Letters to Santa/ mince pies and carrots for Christmas Eve
• Sellotape and wrapping paper (unless you're super organised and have already wrapped...)

And this list may go on and on. You travel with more stuff than ever when kids are involved, so get used to it.  

Take some home comforts with you

Lots of kids can find it hard to settle down  for sleep at Christmas, and especially if you're in a strange place. Likewise, younger babies can pick up on changes in atmosphere, so its a really good idea to make this as 'homely' as you can. Make sure you bring along your little one's favourite toys, blankets and comforters so that when it comes to settling down for the night, things are as calm and relaxed as possible. Don't forget your *NEW* 'The Cuddle'  hands-free bath towel for peaceful, more relaxed baby bathtimes. (available now in South Africa) www.cinnamonsue.co.za

Shop smart for gifts

Ditch the plastic. Our beautiful towels are 100% plastic free with recyclable packaging and they're truly gifts that last too. 

For gifts such as books, clothing and smaller toys that are going to last the trip away- wooden toys, cuddle toys & soft toys always trump over plastic for longevity and are more likely to make journey in one piece.

'The Cuddle' is the sister product to Cuddledry's multi-award winning handsfree towel. The Cuddle has all the same features, but with a lighter finish for more compact packing and makes a great travel companion any time of the year.

So, are you ready? Get your list written, and start planning now!

https://cinnamonsue.co.za/product-category/hands-free-baby-bath-towels/

WHAT THE FUZZ?

Kippins ... cuddle blankies

Hot tip: that baby comforter is going to go straight in the mouth. It's going to get allll up in that nose. Our Cuddle Blankies are made from smooth organic cotton, so you can totally chew them without eating or inhaling the fuzzies from traditional polyester comforters. And when you're done, make sure you share it with babe, ok?

www.cinnamonsue.co.za

Your Kippins Kippinatomy ... the cuddliest friends you will ever meet!

https://cinnamonsue.co.za/product-category/organic-cuddle-blankies/

Kippins Cuddle Blankies

Mum Central think Kippins make the perfect baby shower gift!

DATE

April 27 2018

WRITTEN BY

Kippins Team

We're pumped to be featured on Mum Central's latest article on Baby Shower Gift Ideas!

"A good baby comforter is a game changer, especially in the sleep stakes. Stay away from synthetic fabrics and decidedly unsafe accessories and choose one like the Kippins Cuddle Blankie 

Part soft toy friend, part cuddle blanket, this is really a very clever idea. Made from deliciously soft, hypoallergenic organic cotton. Kippins are a simple, natural and proven way to help make baby feel safe and secure. It can even encourage self-soothing during times of change – like when moving baby to their own room- or at nap time. And that’s a priceless gift to give any new parent!"

https://cinnamonsue.co.za/product-category/organic-cuddle-blankies/

The wonders of Baby Massage

Babies, Bath time by polly.marsh (edit)

Next week is National Baby Massage Week, and to celebrate we have a guest post from Samantha, creator of Mumma Love Organics, a family run business “based on three simple steps: Comfort, Settle and Sleep.” Mumma Love Organics specialise in products that have been designed to soothe delicate baby skin, and are perfect for use in baby massage. Today Samantha shares her tips and tricks to make baby massage a part of your daily routine with baby.

Ask anyone that has had a decent massage, how they feel afterwards and the words they tend to share are ‘amazing’ ‘relaxed’ and ’soothed’. The human body is made up of millions of nerve endings that respond positively to the power of touch, and babies are no different. Studies have shown that massage releases oxytocin hormones in the body that make us feel happy and safe, and so these sensations can work wonders for a baby that is feeling unsettled or irritable. Babies also tend to develop a heightened awareness during a massage, that helps to strengthen the bond between parent and child too.

If you’re interested in trying baby massage as part of your bedtime/ bathtime routine, here are my tips and tricks to get you started:

Have everything ready for your massage session:

● Dim the lights and play music softly to create a calming atmosphere.
● Gather all your equipment together: nappy changing items, massage oil and a change of clothes.
● Spread your Cuddledry baby change mat liner on your bed (or changing table, or wherever else you intend to massage your baby) so that baby has something soft to lie on.
● Talk to your baby softly, making sure you explain what you are going to do. Just as you would an adult, you need to tell your baby you are going to be touching body parts and making sure that he/ she is prepared.

Once you have everything set up, you are ready to begin! The best time to do baby massage is right after bath time, as baby will be relaxed and skin will be softer too.

Start by:

● Gently stroking the legs. This body part is often best to start with as babies are used to legs being touched during nappy changes. Tell you baby you are going to massage his/ her legs and do so with soft, slow strokes. Use a massage oil that you have warmed in your hands first.

● Move on to the arms, tummy and chest area, making sure each time that you explain what you are going to do next.

● Keep an eye on baby for any reaction to the massage. Stop immediately if baby appears distressed or irritable.

● Talk gently to your baby and even sing if it helps to relax.

The wonders of baby massage:

Baby massage has so many benefits! Not only is it a wonderful way to wind down after a busy day, but it provides the ideal opportunity for you and baby to connect, and to form a lasting parent-child bond. As part of your regular bathtime routine, baby massage can help to: 

● increase blood flow and improve oxygen levels to the brain. 

● promote deeper, calmer sleep – great news for parents with a fussy baby! 

● encourage babies to form a sense of trust.

www.cuddledry.com

For all enquires about the Cuddledry range in South Africa please contact:

fiona@cinnamonsue.co.za 

www.cinnamonsue.co.za

Tips for Outdoor Play!

Parenting, Toddlers by polly.marsh 

It may be Spring, but that doesn’t always mean warm sunshine and dry land when you live in the UK! But why let that stop you? Recent studies have proven that children need at least 15 minutes of outdoor play every single day, and let’s face it- they don’t tend to mind a spot of rain, do they? So if you’re looking for excuses, look elsewhere. These tips for outdoor play have been designed to inspire you to get those wellies on and get out and play!

Why outdoor play is so important

• Being outdoors has so many benefits for children (and adults too!) and these are just a few of them:

• Vitamin D. Being outside boosts the intake of the vitamin we need to absorb calcium and promote bone growth. For growing children getting enough is essential!

• Gross motor skills. Children need to learn how to run, jump, climb, kick balls and pedal pedals. Being outdoors promotes gross motor skills and gives children wide open spaces to exert themselves.

• Fitness. Give a child an open space and that child will run! Being outdoors promotes a healthier lifestyle for our children and boosts fitness levels too.

• Knowledge of the world around us. Being outdoors is a wonderful learning experience for children, and an opportunity for them to use their senses to explore. Just being in green spaces boosts a child’s knowledge, but also being able to investigate new surroundings has huge impacts on learning too.

• So now that you know how important being outdoors is, here are some tips to getting out there and playing!

• Make sure you have appropriate clothing. The UK is not known for it’s warm weather all year round, and we do tend to get a lot of rain too. So make sure you have thick waterproofs and welly boots to hand at all times. As they say- there is no such thing as poor weather, just poor clothing!

• Make outdoor play a natural part of playtime. Don’t make a big deal out of going out to play- it doesn’t need to be planned, or something to ‘get over and done with’. As soon as you view being outdoors as part of everyday life, the easier it will become.

• Indulge in your child’s interests. If they love creepy crawlies, go on a bug hunt. If climbing is their thing, find a good, solid tree and see how they go. Take a picnic to the park, and bring teddies to make it extra special.

• Take the paints outside. Outdoor art is a wonderful way to get kids creative and you won’t even notice you’re outside once you get going! Another plus is that the house stays clean too…

• Clean the car. A simple, yet wonderful sensory experience for children. And you get a clean car in the process. Result!

• Go for a walk. Take bikes, prams, scooters or just little legs. Where you go doesn’t really matter- take a letter to pop in the post box? Buy a comic from the newsagent?- but once you’re walking and breathing fresh air the world is your oyster!

• Take an empty bag with you. Sounds strange, but you’ll notice that children like to collect things when they’re out and about. Let them find brightly coloured leaves, oddly shaped stones and smooth, round rocks. Let them collect their treasures!

• Run. Yes, you too. Get outside, get the endorphins flowing. Take a ball, or a skipping rope, or just run. Get the heart pumping and enjoy being outdoors!

The best thing about being outdoors in cold or rainy weather can sometimes be coming back inside again. Make sure you have some warm milk or hot chocolate to hand, and wrap cold children in a snuggly Cuddledry to warm up… until the next outdoor adventure!

Making bath time fun!

Babies, Bath time, Parenting by polly.marsh (edit)

Bath time doesn’t always have to be at the end of the day. Of course, a bath is an integral part of most bedtime routines for many families, but sometimes it can be fun to make a splash at other times too! Water play is a wonderful sensory experience for babies and toddlers and if the weather is not permitting, why not bring it inside? The bathroom is the ideal place and so we’ve put together some tips and ideas for making bath time fun!

Create a colour themed bath. This can be as simple or as extravagant as you like. Colours are a great way to add a fun element to bath time, and all you need is to collect toys of the same colour, add a few drops of food colouring to the bath and you’re set!

Make the water glow! Submersible lights are a wonderful way to transform any bath tub. You can buy various types quite cheaply and the colour changing versions make for a rather magical experience. If you can, close the blinds and turn out the lights too so that your little one can enjoy the experience to its full potential.

Cook up a storm! Kitchen utensils such as wooden spoons, colanders and whisks don’t need to be restricted to the kitchen. Encourage imaginative play and introduce them to bath time instead. Perhaps your little one will create a bubbly feast for a king? Or a magical potion for fairies? The possibilities are endless.

Give dolly a bath. Children love to role play and bath time is a great opportunity for you to encourage self care. If you have a baby doll that can go in the bath, bring her in and let your little one take turns to wash her hair and body.

Let them paint! If paintbrushes and all the paraphernelia that goes with it sends shivers down your spine, why not bring it into the bath instead? You can buy specific bath crayons and paints, or you can bring small pots of washable paint into the bathroom instead- it depends how brave you are! The best thing about this activity is that your little one gets to express himself, and you get to hose him down afterwards!

Play sink or float. Let your little one help you to find waterproof objects and take turns to guess which ones will sink and which will float.

Make paper boats- and sail them. Simple fun!

Add some ice! Add a few drops of food colouring to the water before you freeze it, then pop them into the bath for the little ones to chase! Once melted, the water will change colour- and you can have a chat about why the ice melted too.

All of the above can be done during the usual bath time if you prefer, but if you know that your little one needs extra wind downtime after activities like this, then you might want to choose a different time instead. As always, make sure you supervise little ones at all times, and don’t forget to wrap them up warm in their Cuddledry towels afterwards!

What are your little one’s favourite bath time activities?

www.cuddledry.com

Please contact us for further information on the Cuddledry brand in South Africa!

www.cinnamonsue.co.za
info@cinnamonsue.co.za

https://cinnamonsue.co.za/product-category/hands-free-baby-bath-towels/

Bath Time and Good Baby Sleep!

Babies, Bath time, Parenting by polly.marsh

Sleep is probably the hottest topic of conversation between new parents. We want it, and more of it, and we will do anything to get it. At the same time, our bundles of joy just don’t seem to understand this need we have for them to sleep well at night. Annoying. But there are ways that you can help them to learn good sleeping habits, and today we’re bringing you a guest post from sleep expert Wendy Dean Did you know that bath time can be an excellent way to ensure good baby sleep? Read on for more tips.

The Bath time ritual and a full night’s sleep

Tips from Wendy Dean author of the Baby Sleep System. Read more about her work here: http://thebabysleepsystem.blogspot.co.uk/

Wendy has worked with thousands of parents who have struggled to get their baby into a healthy sleep pattern.

A regular bathing ritual will help you prepare your baby for a quality night’s sleep.

Sleep cue

If you aim to bathe your baby at approximately the same time very night, it acts as a valuable “sleep cue” so that she knows that night time and therefore sleep time is approaching.

Preparing the body for sleep

The act of bathing itself is a relaxing experience which prepares the body for sleep. Ensure that the water is a pleasant temperature by using your elbow or a thermometer to test. Use a soft material to do the washing. Let your baby float in the water being careful to fully support his head and back.

Increasing trust


The post bath snuggle in a Cuddledry product builds a bond of trust between parent and baby which makes it easier for the baby to cope when he is put into his cot alone. Talk to your baby in a soothing voice.

Breaking the connection between feeding and sleeping

The bath if used as part of a bedtime routine can help to break the connection between feeding and sleeping which is at the root of many baby sleep problems. The bath should have pepped him up enough to take his feed without falling asleep.

Result

By including a bath in a regular bedtime ritual your baby will be relaxed and happy to go into his bed at night and will settle himself off to sleep. This in itself will help to reduce night time wakings.

Bathing your premature baby: tips from Bliss

Bathing your premature baby: tips from Bliss

January 3, 2015 in Babies, Bath time, Parenting by polly.marsh

Bliss, the special care baby charity, provides vital support and care to premature and sick babies across the UK. Founded 30 years ago this year, we offer guidance and information at a critical time in families’ lives. We also fund ground-breaking research and campaign for babies to receive the best possible level of care regardless of when and where they are born. Today’s post is all about bathing your premature baby.

Your premature baby’s first bath is a very special and exciting yet often scary event for parents. It is best if you, the parents do the first and subsequent bathing so your baby feels safe and calm.

Wrapped bathing can be very relaxing and soothing for the baby, especially when they are small or still worried about being undressed. Bathing offers parents a valuable time for observing their baby’s behaviour so that the way you bath is adapted to his/her developing needs. Wrapping the baby in a sheet while he/she is immersed into the water and doing everything very slowly, pacing your washing in small bursts according to the baby’s reactions, will prevent tears at bath time and ensure he/she has enough energy to feed afterwards.

Preparation:

The bath should be planned to enable you to: 

Include dad or another family member if possible, as bathing is often a 4-hands job! 

Before the bath: 

Provide a warm, relaxing atmosphere, quiet and calm with soft background lighting. 

Prepare all the equipment, clothing and cuddle towel first. 

Prepare the baby by approaching quietly, talk softly before and during undressing the baby, and tell the baby what is going to happen at each stage. 

While undressing the baby, provide hand and/or blanket support to keep the baby tucked up feeling safe and offer containment of any outstretched arms or legs as necessary. 

Adjust the pace of what you are doing according to the baby’s cues (i.e. look for reactions that mean he/she needs a time-out pause (yawns, sneezes, breathing fast for example); proceed slowly. 

Support the baby by holding hands or feet and keep one half wrapped while the other half is being undressed. 

During the bath 

Consider ways to help the baby feel secure and to avoid distress when naked and placed into the water e.g. wrap in a thin sheet or muslin. 

When the baby is ready to go into the water make sure the water temperature has not cooled down too much.

Tell the baby what is going to happen all the time.

Immerse the baby into the water ……feet first STILL WRAPPED.

Make sure the water is deep enough to cover the baby’s torso.

Let the baby adjust to the experience of being in the water before washing or removing the wrap.

Allow the baby’s legs to be near the end of the bath to brace against so he/she feels secure.

Continue to go slowly pacing the way you proceed according to the baby’s behavioural cues.

Only uncover one body area at a time while you wash. Replace the wrap and then do the other body area.

Allow the baby opportunities to experience buoyancy if stable enough – a floating feeling on his back, side or front is very relaxing.

After the bath:

With the wrap left in the bath water, lift the baby from the bath on his side with the arms and legs tucked into his/her body.

Bend down to be near the bath as you bring him/her onto the towel, which is against the parent’s chest.

Keep the baby contained in the towel until the baby is settled.

When settled dress the baby keeping the top half covered, while drying and dressing the bottom half.

Consider Kangaroo Care after to help settle and re-warm the baby.

Result

Bathing is completed pleasurably, safely and effectively.

The baby’s stability has been maintained and the baby has enough energy to feed if necessary.

The parent and the baby have enjoyed the bath experience together.

Parents feel confident about carrying out bathing and supporting their baby through what is often a challenging procedure.

The neonatal staff have helped, supported and observed the baby during a challenging procedure and are able to assess and record the baby’s strengths and sensitivities.