Bath Time

Sometimes I feel neglectful that I don't bathe X more than once a week. I worry that his skin will get too dry, and he has had little patches of very dry skin through the winter, that I slather with Aquaphor. But then, he doesn't get very dirty (yet) and he is wipe-able, after all!

X hated baths for about the first four weeks of his life. He screamed through his first bath in the hospital, when the lovely volunteer lady showed us how to do it. He SCREAMED at home, when my husband and I were brave enough to try it on our own. His agitation made me jumpy, and his anxiety fed off of my own.

Then, we watched a video by Tracy Hogg (aka The Baby Whisperer), and the bath part of the video made it all worth it. The most important thing I learned was to slow down and help X enjoy the bath.

I approached the next bath with much trepidation. I started a lullaby CD, hoping the music would set a relaxing tone. I made sure the water was the right temperature. I let X test the water with his feet before I put him in his little bath tub. I went slowly, taking my time. And, to my delight, X totally dug it. He smiled, kicked his feet, splashed his hands. He didn't cry when I poured the water over his head after washing his hair. He was quiet and alert when I wrapped him up in his towel, smiling as I rubbed his head and brushed his hair.

Even now, while his baths are so infrequent, he knows what's coming when he hears the music and the water running, filling up the tub. He laughs and splashes, and cries when it is time to get out of the bath. A little gentleness has gone a long way.

Before I know it, we'll be making bubble mohawks and having dinosaur versus boat races. Then, before I know it, baths will once again become the enemy. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the splashing and laughing.