A frequently asked question: Can I bathe my kid in the sink? To be fair, we asked ourselves the same question when our own children were young, and our parents most likely did as well! So we decided to settle the dispute once and for all by giving you the lowdown on sink baths for baby–whether you should do it, what you should consider, and why it could be a good idea to try it after all!
Why bathe your baby in the sink?
Can I bathe my baby in the sink?
There are numerous reasons why new parents contemplate bathing their infant in the sink. Some families may only have a shower in their bathroom, or they may not have access to a baby bath when their new baby arrives home. Other families may simply be carrying on a generations-old custom!
Prior to the nursery business boom (and before there were so many new baby essentials to add to your shopping lists), many people would bathe their infant in the sink since there was no other option. There are plenty of baby bath tubs available these days, but many parents find that sink baths are far more convenient–if it works for you, why not?
Bathing your baby in the sink vs a baby bath
If you’re unsure whether to fill the sink or take a baby bath, examine the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Use less water.
Sink baths use less water because they have a smaller space to deal with, which is a significant advantage for many. This will not only save money on water costs, but it will also benefit the environment significantly.
Easy on your back.
Standing at the sink can be easier on your back than bending over a baby bath on the floor. Sink baths can also be easier for new mothers healing from c-sections for the same reason.
Can I bathe my baby in the sink?
Quick and easy.
Filling the sink to bath your kid is more faster and easier than preparing everything for the baby’s bathtub. Plus, you may have all of your equipment ready to go on the draining board, making it easier to access.
Location is crucial.
Many kitchen sinks are located near a window, which may not be optimal during colder weather. The advantage of baby baths is that they may be moved to other water-filled areas of the home as needed.
Not all sinks are the same size.
Mot baby bath tubs are meant for little babies and will be roughly the same size and form. Your sink can be deeper, shallower, smaller, or larger… Not all sinks are suitable for sink baths, so examine the logistics before deciding against investing in a tub.
Consider your cleaning products.
We’ll go over cleaning your sink later, but for now, keep in mind that you’ll surely need to clean your sink before and after your baby takes a bath, so think about what products you’ll use.
