In the NICU, they "taught" us how to give him a sponge bath. They laid him onto a heated bed, under heat lamps, and we bathed him one limb at a time. He LOVED it. Although I would too if I was on a heated bed under heat lamps.
At home, for his first bath, we laid him next to a space heater and bathed one limb at a time, just like we were taught.
He loved it.
The following week, we thought, "Heck, let's try the little tub!"
He hated it.
Back to sponge baths.
Love the fluffly hair he gets after a bath!
Next bath, we stuck with the sponge-bath routine.
What? He hated it!!
But his hair still fluffed up afterward, which was cute.
Finally, after another sponge bath spent screaming, Marcus tried to talk some reason into the kid.
He had a heart-to-heart with him about why baths are nice, warm, cleansing, and there is no reason to scream.
Then, lo and behold, we've had a really rough week.
Lots of fussing and crying, especially at night.
So, I thought, maybe a good cry will wear this guy out and help him sleep!
Or maybe a warm bath will soothe him and help him sleep.
I brought out the old whale tub. (Scroll back up to see what happened last time we attempted the whale tub).
I decided to put in one of his towels and get it all wet with nice warm water.
I wrapped him in it and then proceeded to give him a sponge bath, exposing one limb at a time while the rest of him was wrapped in a warm wet towel.
He LOVED it!
And we were all asleep by 10:45 for the first time in weeks. :)
Oh, and please note how extremely chunky this little guy is getting!!
aww, the extra neck and armpit fat is charming :D
ReplyDeleteWhen my babies were little, I just showered with them. I tried it with Zach on a whim and he LOVED it. (they both HATED having diapers changed or sponge baths) They stay warm, skin to skin time, I could nurse them, and after Zach (c-section) it was just easier than leaning over the sink.
Then once they're "sturdier" and can sit up a bit, they get baths. Lilly LOVES them, like standing at the side screeching and slapping the tub wanting to get in ;)
Yay for better sleep and sweet and clean babies. By the way, that is one chill baby in that last photo! So glad that worked for you.
ReplyDeleteWe actually just went with the same route as hiccupp...mostly because we didn't have anywhere to store an infant bathtub (though we tried one out).
I was really nervous when Freeman suggested that he just shower with Hamilton, but we tried it and he loved the skin-to-skin time and I loved the lack of cleaning/drying/storing another item.
We just set it up that one of us is in there and the other passes the child in/takes the child out.
Also agree with hiccupp that Veronica will come "running" if she hears the tub and tried frantically to find a way in. It's sweet.
Hi!! Clearly we have not talked in a long time.. last time I talked to you, you were trying your hand at making dresses and now you HAVE A BABY!!! An insanely adorable one at that!!! How amazing! I just wanted to say HI and I hope all is well!!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like things are GREAT!!!
Congrats!!!
Karissa