Here’s a list of things we’ve found essential with Isabel, and reasons why.
Philips Avent Digital Room & Bath Thermometer
Why:My disability means I can rarely judge temperatures. I burn myself in the bath. The Avent Thermometer is accurate, floats in the bath and has markings on it to show the ideal water temperatures for a baby bath (37 degrees). It can also be used in the baby’s room as a room Thermometer, and has 19 degrees on the front as well for that reason.
It’s cheap, it’s bombproof, and it’s reassuring..well worth £17.
Mothercare Ergonomically shaped bath support
Why:
We were lent a baby bath..they’re OK, but…when your newborn is tiny, the sink works, or a shared bath. Both are quite scary though, as babies are small and wriggly. Add soap, and it’s nervewracking.
So we bought this for £15. It’s a bit like a high-heeled shoe in shape, but you fill the bath with the correct temperature water (as the thermometer says), upto the “Max” level on the support. Then you pop baby in, and they recline safely and securely with lots of splash room. That leaves both hands free to wash baby and baby hair etc, and does away with the “slippery baby” panic. It’s invaluable, it really is.