Safety tips for when you bathe and change your baby

If you're a new parent, you'll have realised that a lot of your time is going to be spent changing nappies and bathing your little one, whether they needed changing, they've drooled all over themselves (or you), they've sicked up their milk or because you're so tired you don't even notice where you're aiming the bottle. And the best part? It's all such a wonderful experience, isn't it? But no matter how sleepy we are, we still need to consider a number of safety recommendations, especially as they start to grow and move around more.

A young child in a white LÄTTSAM baby bath, a white-tiled wall behind, laughs as an adult hand holds up a green sponge.

On a SUNDVIK changing table, an adult tends to a clothed baby, who looks at a multicolour GULLIGAST mobile hanging above.

Always keep an eye on your baby

Whilst bathing or changing your baby is a really sweet moment, it still poses a few easily avoidable risks.

Of course, everyday life is full of demands on your attention, especially when you’re a new parent. But if you always keep a close watch on your baby, you'll avoid the potential for accidents, including serious ones.

And in return, you can enjoy bathing and changing times as moments that strengthen your relationship that feel relaxed, rewarding and safe.

An adult tests the water temperature in a LÄTTSAM baby bath, as a child in an orange BRUMMIG towel with hood looks on.

Did you know

Babies can't keep their head above water by themselves. That's why constant supervision is vital.

More peace of mind when changing and bathing your baby

The daily baby care routines can run smoothly and comfortably if you remember a few simple things.

A parent holds a baby on a SNIGLAR changing table with one hand and reaches with the other for an item on the shelf below.

Safety tips around baby changing

If you use a changing table, store your supplies close by so you can always keep one hand on the baby whilst they're on the table. IKEA changing tables all have drawers or compartments so you can keep everything all in one place.
The more babies grow, the more they move and wriggle during changing times so you can never take your eyes off them, and if you can, always keep one hand on them.
You can place the changing table so that one of its short sides is against the wall or another piece of furniture and protect them with a cushion or something soft. Always place their head at this end, so that if your baby pushes with their legs (and they will), they won't fall to the floor or bump their head.
OurVÄDRA baby care mat is really comfortable and fits nicely in the changing table which stops it from moving about. But if you're going to use it on another smooth surface, even though it has raised sides to keep your baby in, you'll still need to fit a STOPP anti-slip underlay to keep it still.
Changing table guardrails can help but won't stop a fall when changing your baby's nappy.

An adult in a red and white-striped shirt holds a baby in a LÄTTSAM baby bath, beside a green PATRULL bathtub mat.

Safety tips around baby bathing

Constant supervision is essential because babies can’t get up easily if they slip or fall and they could end up underwater quickly. Our LÄTTSAM bathtub features anti-slip strips, but this is still only a helpful tool alongside our supervision.
A PATRULL bathtub mat can reduce the risk of slipping and also brings a touch of fun to your bathtub.
Bathwater should be at body temperature or below as babies have more delicate, sensitive skin. That's why it can be too hot for them even if we think it's just nice and warm.
Wherever possible, keep medicine, cosmetics, cleaning products and other toxic substances in high cupboards, out of reach of your little ones. If that's not possible, you can also use UNDVIKA and UTRUSTA safety latches to stop them from opening drawers and cupboards.