One duty of a new mom is to bathe the baby. There are different ways you can do that. You can use different kinds of bathtubs. However, some of them can be costly, especially if you have a low budget. They can also take up a lot of space in the house. This might not be convenient if you have a small space for baby things. This is why most moms ask “can you bathe baby in a sink (kitchen)?”. One option you can consider is the kitchen sink. But the question is: Is it safe to bathe the baby in the kitchen sink?
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Why do some people bathe their babies in the kitchen sink?
Although some people find the idea of bathing their babies in the kitchen sink gross, it has been a very common practice among parents for a long time. In certain cultures and economic conditions, babies are even bathed in pails and bowls. Reasons, why parents consider using the kitchen sink, include:
1. To save money for something else; having a baby can cause a financial strain on some parents so not buying a baby tub allows them to save money.
2. For ease; after the baby’s birth, it can be hard for some mothers to sit or bend for a long time. The sink allows them to be comfortable while bathing their babies.
Is it safe to give a baby a bath in the Kitchen sink?
Yes, it is. It is safe to bathe your baby in the kitchen sink if this is what you’ve chosen to do. However, there are some measures you must take to make it fun and risk-free for your baby. These include:
- Using a sink insert,
- Ensuring that you have the right temperature of water to avoid scalding the baby
- Cleaning the sink and removing all stains and food particles
- Using a mild cleaning agent when washing the sink to prevent skin rashes or irritation in the baby
- Cleaning the sink after using it for bathing the baby.
How to clean the kitchen sink for a baby bath
Getting the sink ready for the bath is just as important as making the sink safe. It involves cleaning the sink and ridding it of all food particles and removing any lingering stains from the sink. Some steps to take include:
1). Use a mild detergent or cleaning agent; this is important to prevent leaving a residue that may irritate your baby’s tender skin.
2). If you use bleach in cleaning the sink, then ensure that you run plenty of warm water through the sink to clean out any residue.
3). A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also make a mild cleaning agent that is much less likely to cause irritation. Run a lot of water through the sink when cleaning, ensure that you also clean the sink thoroughly after the bath before using it for kitchen activities again.
When did you stop bathing your baby in the sink?
Most parents stop bathing their babies in the sink at six months, however, when to stop really depends on your baby’s size and his willingness to transition to something else. This is because while some babies find bathing time fun, others can be quite terrified by it. Doing anything jarring like taking them away from the sink which they had become accustomed to can be a little difficult. However, when your baby outgrows the sink, it becomes very important you initiate a smooth transition to a bathtub. Some babies transition a little earlier, others may take longer and continue bathing in the sink for another month or two.
The best you can do is to study your baby and based on what you’ve learned of him, take any of the following ways forward:
1) After bathing for a long time in a sink, it will be better to take your transition one step at a time. Try bringing the little baby tub into the bathroom and bathing there for some time.
2) Then, you can put the baby tub into your bathtub and allow your baby to get used to the size and space in the tub. Having some toys in there with your baby helps to make him feel at ease.
3) You could also improvise with a bath seat that supports your baby and helps him feel more secure.
Baby Bath Sink Inserts
Sink inserts are accessories used while bathing a baby in a sink or sometimes a tub to ensure the baby’s comfort and safety. They come in various designs and are comfortable when you don’t have an extra hand to hold the baby during the bath. The different techniques used by parents when bathing their babies in the sink include:
- Going Hands-Free
- Using a sink insert on a kitchen sink
It is easier, and much better for you to go for the foldable kitchen sink insert. It is baby-friendly, comfortable, and fits into many sinks easily. It supports the baby and protects them from the cold harshness of the sink. It serves as cushioning for the baby. It frees up your hands from having to hold your baby and ensures your comfort as you bathe your baby.
Using a sink insert on a bathroom sink
Sink insert on a bathroom sink is flexible and foldable, giving the baby a safe and warm cushioning for bathing. As an extra safety measure, it fits perfectly and some of them come as PVC and BPA-free.
Going without the insert
Some parents bathe their babies in the sink without the sink insert. However, this is done with much help and an extra hand, to ensure that your baby is held firm and safe while the bath is going on. If you do it without the sink insert, then make sure you go slowly and carefully as rushing may be unsafe and may startle your baby.
To use a sink or not is entirely up to you. Therefore, if you use a sink, the above guidelines will really serve as a guide or a bright torch to help you along the way.
