When the twins were born seven weeks early they spent the first three weeks of their life in the baby ICU. When they got their first baths they were given something called a swaddle bath. Wrapped tightly in a receiving blanket they are put in warm water which basically makes it a spa for the little one. I loved, loved, loved it! So much that when we got home from the ICU I continued bathing them this way and I have also be giving Timmy his baths this way. It makes so much less traumatizing for them and for me.
When I gave Timmy his swaddle bath he was sound asleep when I placed him in the water, low and behold he remained sleeping wrapped all snugly in his blanket. Swaddling bathing also works for sponge bathing, it works well because the only parts exposed are the parts you are washing at the moment. For sponge bathing I put a bath towel in the dryer for a few seconds to get it nice and toasty comfy for the wee babe. I also warm a towel for after the baby is done with his swaddle bath.
Those of you with NICU or ICU babes probably already know about this bathing secret but for those of you who don’t I wanted to share this mama wonder secret!
Here’s a brief how-to I found: httpss://infantconnections.com/better-bathtime/