As a new parent of twins, triplets or more bathing all of them can be an overwhelming thought. It doesn’t have to be. It can be an enjoyable experience for both parent’s and babies, enhancing bonding and creating some one on one time. Below are some useful pointers when bathing your twins, triplets or more.

Whilst they are small always bath each baby separately. You can use a baby bath to start with. They are easy to transport so you are able to do it in the room with your other babies. It can also be put on a higher surface so that recovering Mums can still participate.

If you can choose a time when you have support to make it less stressful. If you don’t have any support then choose a time of the day that works for you and the baby. There might be a time when only one baby is awake and so you can take the opportunity to bath then. Don’t put pressure on yourself to bath them daily and maybe consider alternating them so you only bath one baby a day.

Bathing shouldn’t take a long time, you don’t want the babies to get cold.  The experience should be positive so if you start to feel your baby getting upset then finish it. You will find the more you do it, the more used to the water the baby will get and then the enjoyment will come. Talk reassuringly during the bath, use their individual names and provide eye contact. Introduce them into the water gradually first by dipping their toes, then gradually laying them back. When the babies are very small wash their faces separately with clean water.

Be prepared! As with most things with more than one baby, make sure you have everything you need to hand before you start. As they get bigger and you need to use the bathroom you can take them all into the bathroom and have them laid down on the floor. Include them in the bathing chat, singing and fun, and let them play with the toys out of the bath while one baby is enjoying the water.

As they get older and can confidently support themselves you may want to put them in the bath together. This can be a great way to do water play and encourages some fun family time. You may like to incorporate it into your bedtime routine but if you feel this is putting too much pressure on you, keep it as a separate activity so the children don’t expect it as part of their wind down every night.

Providing a positive experience with water is hugely beneficial for your twins, triplets and more as accessing swimming pools can be impossible for some families. By providing a fun and stress free bath time you are able to re-create some of their early experiences with water from inside your home.