Bathing Twins Safely Through Different Stages: Newborn, Infants, & Toddlers.

 

 

Bathing Twins Safely Through Different Stages:  Newborn, Infants, & Toddlers. 

1-24-2010

The twins are 10 months & 3 weeks old!

 

 

 

When you are pregnant with twins, one of the things that may enter you mind, is ‘How on Earth will I handle the bathing situation?’ 

 

Now me, I thought I’d want to attempt the task of bathing them both at one time, with two separate bathing slings, but this was not to be.  My husband said don’t bother buying two of these as it would not happen, and he couldn’t have been more right.

 

Unless you have a husband or partner along side of you, you are very unlikely to put two newborn bathers in the tub and clean your twins both at the same time.  I’m sure it has been done, but safety wise, I just didn’t consider it safe on my own to even try, as even little newborns can wriggle around quite a bit. 

 

Bath time is where safety time counts most, not saving time, by cleaning your tiny twins all in one shot.  If you have help and a large enough tub, the task is definitely doable, but for me it was always one at a time, back to back.  I enjoyed the one on one time anyhow.  No fear, no rushing, two hands, 1 baby.  I like that.  I am used to that.

 

But as twins get older you will find that bathing them two at a time, is more safe, and ispossible.  I have canned the bathing sling as it is not safe when babies are rolling around and sitting up, though I often did wonder, why they didn’t have any kind of safety harnesses like bouncers to make it safer for longer, if even just across the tummy?  Surely something soft and cushiony could be invented for that purpose. Hmm…

 

 I have since been bathing them individually on my lap, and am at this time, however, I plan to go out, and buy two seated bathers, that attach to the sides of the bath tub, or by suction cups to the bottom of the tub, depending on the model.  This is what I started using at around 6 months with my other kids.

 

 

With your baby’s new found ability to sit in a safe, upright position,  these bathers are the perfect solution for the time period of 6 months and up.  (6-18 sometimes up to 24 months, depending on baby’s size), but they will be outgrown eventually, much like everything else.  They do allow your baby to sit erect, so there is no hazard of their little faces coming into contact with the water beneath them.

 

For babies that are crawling, standing, or beginning to walk, however, they may feel contained and fight to try and stand up.  This is where bath toys come in.  Entertain your twins as best you can to keep them securely seated with their rumps where they belong, and everybody happy.  They may actually enjoy seeing their twins face at this time.  That may be a plus to bathing them together, like in the small photograph above.

 

 Click here:

Pink Aquababy Bath Ring

 

 

Here are some safe and fun bathing tips for twins:

  

 

1)  1 baby at a time, before they are able to sit upright in a bather, or you at least have an extra set of hands to help. 

 Before then, one of these are a great purchase and fold away into nearly nothing.

 Inexpensive but gets the job done.  Soft sides mean no bumps, and folds away for EZ storage.

Click here:

Summer Infant Mother’s Touch Deluxe Baby Bather Pink 

 

 

2) No-slip mat on bath bottom.

 

Click here:

The Big Gripper Slip Proof Bath Mat

 

If you are bathing one of your twins on your lap, it can be still a bit hazardous.  So a no-slip mat on the bottom of your tub is essential, especially for eager to stand babies. 

 

 

3)  Never attempt to bathe both babies on your lap at one time. 

This is far too dangerous when they are newborn babies and infants.

 

 

4)  Gauging the water temperature.

A bath thermometer like this one, can help out immensely.  Whether water is too hot or too cold, you’ll know.

 

Click here:

Aquatopia Deluxe Safety Bath Thermometer Alarm, Green

 

Always be sure and check the water frequently while running your hand under the faucet as temperatures can sometimes change on their own.  Make sure the water is a perfect lukewarm temperature, and that the water is added before the baby is in the tub, not after.

 

 

5)  Keep your baby clear of the faucet spouts.  No standing up and hanging on to the handles, even if on your lap.

This can spell disaster in an instant, and cause a major burn.  Make sure and sit back in the tub with your baby away from the spout.  There are also spout covers available for the faucet taps as well.  Worth the investment for certain.

 Spout covers help prevent burns and bumps ‘n bruises.

Click Here:

Skip Hop Moby Bath Spout Cover, Sky Blue

  

 

6)  Never leave your baby or twins unattended, for even a second. 

Drowning and burning incidents happen every day because of innocent walking away for just a moment situations. Never take the risk.

 

 

7)  Prepare all of baby’s things before the bath, so you won’t need to go and fetch anything. 

A diaper, new change of clothing, baby lotion, baby powder, a hooded, towel, etc.  Keep everything at your immediate disposal.

 

 

8)  Keep all electrical appliances in your bathroom far away from the bath tub or sink, depending on where you are doing the bathing. 

To be extra safe unplug the appliances if you must.  Just make sure they stay very distant from any water source.

 

 

9)  When not using a bather, place a towel inside of the sink.

 If you are bathing your small baby inside of the bathroom sink and not the tub, be sure there is a towel on the bottom to prevent slipping accidents.  New babies are quite slippery and squirmy.  If you are using a rubber bottomed or sling bather, inside of the sink, disregard this bit of advice.

 

 

10)  Don’t leave shampoos, and other bath time items: razors, shaving cream, hair dye, etc. on the sides of the tub or within reach, while bathing your baby or twins. 

This could lead to cutting accidents, or burning of the eyes.  Remove unnecessary toiletries before you bathe, and don’t use adult soaps, shampoos, and other products on your baby.  Only tear free, specialized baby items.

 

This bath bumper is perfect for bathing those older toddler twins.

Click here:

 Sesame Street Bath Tub Bumper – White

 

Bathing twins is having to do everything x’s 2, so yeah twice the work, but it can also be a heck of a lot of fun.  So enjoy your babies, stay safe, and happy always!