Absolutely! A drop in body temperature after a bath mimics a circadian sleep signal and can help a baby fall into a nice deep sleep at bedtime. BUT not all young babies take to bath’s at first, and some will just cry their way through or immediately after - which doesn’t really have that lovely lulling to sleep impact we’re after.
Baby hating bath time? Here's 6 tips for a calmer bath time:
- Offer your baby a top up milk feed before bath time, to ensure they’re not getting hungry.
- Warm up the bathroom first, or use a portable tub in the lounge. Tie a towel around your neck (like a bib) so you can easily transfer them straight into a towel, and lay out their nappy, and pj’s ready to go for a smoother transition.
- Place a warm wet cloth over their tummy providing a little pressure and extra warmth to help them soothe. Research also shows that swaddling during baths (a technique often used in neonatal care) can significantly reduce newborn stress, crying and agitation.
- When a young baby is lowered into a position on their back without their bottom or feet touching a surface first it will trigger their Moro Reflex - and a baby will have a sudden sense of falling and their arms will fling out uncontrollably. So floating backwards in a bath can make them feel quite vulnerable. Try holding them in an upright position with their bottom touching the bath, or hold them leaning forward, tummy facing down with their chin rested in your hand. And keep in mind that babies look to us to understand how they should feel, so show them that they're safe by flashing a big smile and reassuring sounds as you place them in the bath.
- Bring bedtime and bath time earlier. If your baby has been having short naps all day, or it’s late in the evening and overtiredness has started to set in, they’ll find it pretty hard to enjoy bath time. Ensuring adequate naps and shifting bedtime earlier means you can avoid late night fussy evenings, and get them in the bath before the witching hours begin. For tips on how to improve naps and bring bedtime earlier grab our Newborn Sleep Guide.
- And if all else fails, get in the bath with them! Or opt for a shower together. Having some skin to skin time can help them relax and soothe.
