A question that often comes up: can I bath my baby in the sink? And to be fair, it’s one that we asked ourselves back when our own children were tiny- and presumably our own parents pondered the same, too! So we thought we’d settle the debate once and for all, and give you the low down on sink baths for baby- whether you should do it, what you need to think about and why it might be a good idea to try it after all!
Before the boom in the nursery industry (and way before there were so many new baby essentials to add to your shopping lists!) lots of families would bath their baby in the sink because there simply wasn’t any alternative. These days, baby bath tubs are aplenty, but still lots of parents decide that sink baths are a lot more convenient- if it works for you, then why not?
BATHING YOUR BABY IN THE SINK VS A BABY BATH
If you’re not sure whether or not to fill the sink or splash out on a baby bath, then it might be a good idea to consider the pros and cons of each.
Use less water
Sink baths tend to use less water as you’ve got a smaller space to work with, which is a huge plus for many. Not only will this cut down on water bills, but it’s a huge win for the planet too.
Easier on your back
Standing at the sink can be a lot kinder to your back than having to bend over a baby bath on the floor. Sink baths can also be a lot easier for new mums recovering from a c-section tor this reason too.
WHY BATH YOUR BABY IN THE SINK?
Can I Bath my Baby in the Sink?_Cuddledry.com
There are many reasons why new parents consider bathing their baby in the sink. Some families may only have a shower in their bathroom, or they might not have access to a baby bath when they bring their new baby home. Other families might just be following on a tradition that has lasted generations!
Can I Bath my Baby in the Sink?_Cuddledry.com
Quick and easy
It’s considerably faster and less hassle to fill the sink to give your baby a bath, than it is to get everything ready for the baby baht tub. Plus, you can have all your equipment ready to go on the draining board so it’s more easily accessible too.
Location is key
Lots of kitchen sinks tend to be by the window in the kitchen and in cooler weather, this might not be ideal. The good thing about baby baths is that you can move them to water parts of the house when you need to.
Not all sinks are sized the same
Mot baby bath tubs will come in more or less the same size and shape, designed for small babies to use. Your sink can be deeper, shallower, smaller, bigger… not all sinks are great for sink baths so it’s worth checking the logistics before you write off investing in a tub.
Consider your cleaning products
We’ll go over cleaning your sink later on, but for now it’s worth noting that you definitely will need to clean your sink before and after your baby has their bath- so consider what products you’re going to be using.
If you find a tick inside your home, here’s what you need to know
Nature is the home to an incredibly versatile array of species, but ticks are definitely one of those that we tend to avoid at all costs.
These tiny arachnids, that are related to spiders, mites, and scorpions, are in fact parasites that survive by attaching themselves to larger animals and feeding on their blood. Humans aren’t spared either. Sadly, these insects carry harmful bacteria that can spread disease to people.
Sadly, tick-borne diseases are at an all-time high, with about 50,000 cases reported each year, and far more going unreported.
There are different types of ticks, and unfortunately, they sometimes find their way to people’s homes. The types most commonly found in homes are the black-legged tick, the dog tick, and the brown dog tick.
- Black-legged Ticks – known as deer ticks, these ticks are typically brown or black in color and have a flattened, oval-shaped body. They are commonly found in wooded areas and can transmit Lyme disease.
- Dog Ticks are larger and can range in color from brown to reddish-brown. They have a tough, shield-shaped body. Dog ticks can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Brown Dog Ticks are brown in color and have a slender body.
Although the tick season is between March and October, or sometimes longer, we should be wary of this insects all year round. In fact,if beaten by a tick, a person can develop symptoms even after two or three months.
The bite itself isn’t painful and can cause swelling, itchiness, blistering, and bruising. The bad thing is that ticks also carry and transmit severe diseases, most commonly Lyme disease, as well as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.
Initially, Lyme disease develops as a circular red ‘bull’s eye’ rash around the site of a tick bite. However, not everyone gets a rash and you should also watch out for a flu-like illness with fever, headache, tiredness and general aches and pains.
The best way to prevent being bitten by a tick is to avoid tall grasses and areas where ticks thrive (such as moorlands and woodlands), especially during the warmer months.
In case you do get bitten, you should remove the tick as soon as possible in order to prevent infections.
These are some of the ways of safe removal.
- Use fine-tipped tweezers: Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull gently: Apply steady upward pressure, being careful not to squeeze or crush the tick. Aim to remove the tick in one smooth motion without twisting or jerking. Twisting or jerking can cause the tick’s head to break off and stay inside the skin, where it can still transmit disease.
- Clean the area: After removing the tick, clean the affected area with soap and water or an antiseptic solution. Monitor the site of the bite for any signs of infection or a rash, and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
If by any chance ticks find their way into your home, take immediate action in order to prevent infestation. Most times, ticks are brought into your home in case they stick on your clothes or onto your pets.
- Isolate the area: If you have identified the presence of ticks in a specific area, keep pets and children away from that space.
- Wear protective gear: Put on gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from potential tick bites.
- Clean the area: Clean the area where you found the tick. If it is in bedding, wash the sheets. Inspect the area to ensure there are no more ticks that are present. Dispose of the tick by either flushing it down the toilet or sealing it in a container or ziplock bag before placing it in the trash.
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