Bathtime can be a joyous bonding experience for parents and their newborns, but it can also be a source of anxiety, especially for first-time parents. Swaddle or wrap bathing has become a popular method to ease those concerns while providing a soothing and secure environment for babies during bath time. This approach involves wrapping your baby in a soft swaddle while gently bathing them, which mimics the comforting feeling of being in the womb.
In this blog, we’re excited to feature insights from specialist nurse Stacey, who has years of experience working in neonatal units. With Stacey’s expertise in baby development, we’ll explore the benefits of swaddle bathing, along with some helpful tips and techniques to ensure a soothing bath time.
What Is Swaddle Bathing?
Swaddle bathing involves wrapping your baby in a thin blanket or muslin cloth before placing them in warm bathwater. As you gradually unwrap different parts of the swaddle to wash your baby, the blanket keeps most of their body warm and snug. This method is especially comforting for newborns as it mimics the womb-like environment, providing a sense of security and calm.
Benefits of Swaddle Bathing
Reduces Stress for Newborns
Traditional bathing can be a bit overwhelming for newborns. The sensation of being exposed to water can sometimes cause them to feel insecure, leading to tears and fussiness. Swaddle bathing helps maintain a sense of comfort and security, reducing the chances of overstimulation.
Keeps Baby Warm
Newborns are more sensitive to temperature changes. Swaddle bathing helps keep your baby warm throughout the bath by preventing sudden exposure to cooler air. This can make bath time more enjoyable and less stressful for your little one.
Promotes Bonding
Swaddle bathing creates a calm environment, making it an ideal time for bonding between you and your baby. It allows you to focus on gentle touch and skin-to-skin contact, which can strengthen your connection with your baby.
Swaddle Bathing in Neonatal Units
Swaddle bathing isn’t just popular with parents at home—it’s also increasingly used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) for premature babies who often require extra care and attention. These newborns can experience heightened stress during traditional bathing methods, so swaddle bathing offers a more controlled and gentle way to introduce water while maintaining the baby’s sense of security.
Nurse Stacey says “In the neonatal unit, we often used swaddle bathing for newborns once they reached a stable condition. This method was done alongside parents to create a special bonding experience. Swaddle bathing kept the babies warm and secure which helped them stay calm, especially since it prevented heat loss that could affect their weight gain. It also eased parents' fears of bathing their small, fragile babies by showing how stable they were in the bath and how relaxed they became in the water.”
Tips for Swaddle Bathing
- Make sure to have all your bath essentials within arm’s reach, including a thin blanket or cloth, warm towel, baby soap, a washcloth, and a clean nappy. This ensures you can maintain your focus on your baby throughout the bath.
- The ideal water temperature for swaddle bathing is around 37-38°C. Always test the water with your elbow or a bath thermometer before placing your baby in the tub.
- Use a Baby Bath that keeps your baby upright such as the Shnuggle Baby Bath which features a clever bum bump which helps support even the tiniest newborn baby in an upright position. The foam backrest provides added comfort and support, helping to keep your baby secure and steady during swaddle bathing.
- Keep the room warm and free of drafts to ensure your baby stays comfortable. Playing soothing music or speaking softly can help keep your baby calm throughout the process.
Stacey also mentioned, “To ensure a positive experience, we would ensure the baby was comfortable and well fed, dim the lighting and have everything prepared beforehand. We would wrap the baby in a swaddle, then gently lower them into the warm water. The secure feeling of being swaddled meant the babies were often very relaxed. If the baby remained calm, we slowly unravelled the swaddle to wash them. If they became distressed, we would keep the swaddle on and try again each week until they were comfortable in the water.”
Swaddle bathing is an excellent technique for making bath time a calming and positive experience for both you and your newborn. By reducing stress, maintaining warmth, and fostering bonding, it’s a great option to consider during those early weeks. With the right preparation and gentle technique, you can turn bath time into a special bonding moment that both you and your baby will cherish.
A massive thank you to Stacey for her contribution to this blog. Check her out on Instagram @littleclothesbigadventures.
