Showering with Your Newborn: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Safety, Bonding, and Swim Readiness
Embracing Shower Time with Your Baby
Showering together can maintain your baby’s natural affinity for water, provide a unique bonding opportunity, offer a gentle introduction to flowing water, and create a space to introduce water conditioning for swim readiness. This guide focuses on newborns and young infants (like Evie starting at 4 weeks) and can be a natural progression from bath time routines. We provide a comprehensive, step-by-step approach focusing on safety, technique, and building confidence for both parent and baby. While it might seem daunting initially, with preparation and the right steps, it can be a positive experience.
Is Your Baby Ready for the Shower?
While this guide uses an example of starting around 4 weeks, parental comfort and the baby’s general health are key factors. The parent’s comfort and confidence are paramount before starting.
For a detailed video outline visit our YouTube channel here – https://youtu.be/i2kFHty__AY?si=eWRxFlsDUTwn2Y7D
CRITICAL Safety First: Preparing for a Safe Shower
Water Temperature Check
Test the water on your inner wrist before putting baby in. It must be Warm, NOT hot. Baby skin is sensitive and can burn easily.
Prevent Temperature Fluctuations
Warn other household members not to touch any taps (kitchen, other bathrooms, laundry) while you are showering with the baby. This is an important step because touching other taps can affect the water temperature by either making it too hot or too cold, causing sudden, dangerous shifts.
Gather Everything BEFORE You Start
Have these items within reach of the shower (but safe from getting soaked):
- Baby’s towel (hooded recommended)
- Parent’s towel
- Clean nappy
- Baby’s clothes
- Mild baby soap/wash (if using – see slipping warning later)
- Non-slip mat inside the shower/tub
- Optional: Small stool or shower chair for parent if needed for stability.
Clear the Area
Remove clutter and potential trip hazards around the shower exit.
Getting Ready: You and Your Baby
Parent’s Attire – The T-Shirt Trick!
Once the baby is soapy they become very slippery and hard to handle. Soapy skin to skin contact can be very dangerous. To avoid accidental slips, it is strongly recommended that the parent wears a clean cotton T-shirt in the shower. The T-shirt provides crucial grip and friction, significantly reducing the risk.
Baby’s State
Ensure baby is calm and fed (but not immediately after a large feed). Avoid showering if baby is overly tired or fussy.
The Shower Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Entering Safely
Enter the shower carefully while holding the baby securely, perhaps close to your chest. Use one hand to stabilise against the wall if needed.
Finding a Secure Hold
Maintain a firm, secure grip at all times. Cradle holds or holding baby upright against your chest (ensuring their airway is clear) are options. Remember, babies get slippery, especially if soap is used.
Acclimatization – Gentle Introduction
Once I’m in the shower with Evie I acclimatize her to the water by letting the shower jets run over her back and tummy. While doing this I make sure to keep her mouth out of the water. She loves the new experience of the gentle water massage. Watch for positive signs like relaxation and enjoyment.
Continuing Conditioning in the Shower
This builds on bath conditioning techniques. The methodology remains the same but I now I replace the cup with the shower spray.
The 5 Conditioning Steps
- Make sure I am holding her securely (Re-emphasize grip, especially before moving baby).
- Use the trigger words Evie ready go (Be consistent with the exact words and tone).
- Gently guide her under the show spray (Highlight ‘gently’ and ‘briefly’ – just the head/face passes through the spray).
- Count 1, 2, then bring her out from under the shower (Emphasize the short duration).
- Celebrate the success (Offer immediate positive reinforcement – smiles, praise, cuddles).
Washing Baby (Optional & Cautionary)
If washing, do this after acclimatization and any conditioning practice. Apply soap sparingly to baby, not directly to your T-shirt (to maintain grip). Wash quickly. Rinse thoroughly, avoiding direct spray in the face unless doing a conditioning pass. Strongly reiterate the slipperiness factor.
Knowing When NOT to Condition
At the stage don’t condition your baby if you aren’t confident with your ability to hold them securely in the shower. At this stage the most important thing is to become relaxed interacting with your baby in the watery environment. Never condition a crying or distressed baby. Stop immediately if baby shows signs of discomfort. All learn to swim should be a fun and positive experience.
Exiting the Shower Safely
Turn off the water before exiting, if possible and safe. Exit carefully, maintaining your secure hold. Immediately wrap baby snugly in their prepared towel. Ensure you step out onto a non-slip surface.
Post-Shower Routine
Dry baby thoroughly, paying attention to skin folds. Dress baby warmly. Offer a feed or comfort as needed. Parent dries off.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
- What if my baby cries in the shower? Stop immediately, comfort them, keep the session short and positive. Try again another time, perhaps reverting to gentler steps.
- What if I drop the soap? Leave it on the floor! Do not bend down to pick it up while holding your baby.
- How long should the shower last? Keep it brief, especially initially. 5-10 minutes is usually plenty.
- Can I use a shower chair? Yes, if it provides stability and is safe for shower use.
Recap: Top Safety Reminders
- Always check water temperature: Warm, not hot.
- Warn household members not to use other taps.
- Wear a T-shirt for better grip.
- Maintain a secure hold at all times.
- Never leave baby unattended, even for a second.
- Don’t condition if baby is crying or you lack confidence in your hold.
- Have towels and supplies ready beforehand.
- Use non-slip mats.
Connecting Shower Time to Swim Readiness
This positive exposure and the conditioning practice build a solid foundation for formal swimming lessons. The learn to swim process should follow a step by step process including water familiarisation, breath control, submersion, floating and propulsion.
Ready for the Next Step?
Adult supervision is always required when in and around the water. To learn all about how to teach swimming to babies visit my website and get my online program at https://babyswim.info/