How long does baby stay in the bath?

[Sister]

It takes me five minutes tops to bathe my infant daughter. I soap her up, scrub her a bit, use the cradle cap brush, rinse, and we're done. I don't really leave her in there to splash and play, I'm too worried about her getting cold. Do you get in and out or do you linger while bathing your baby?

[Tigriz]

We average about the same as you. His cradle cap has mostly disappeared, so sometimes we can get even shorter times. I give him a little plastic boat that a friend gave us (it's specifically a bath toy) while I'm washing him, and that keeps him occupied. That way I feel like he got a chance to play AND got clean quick. I think the time probably increases as they get older too.

[Melos]

The time definately increases as they get older and want to play in the bath more. AND, it gets harder to get a wet, slippery kid OUT of the bath if they want to stay in.

Except with very small babies, I wouldn't worry too much about them getting cold. By the time their lip is quivering, no damage has been done.

[feline]

Yah, smaller and younger babies should not stay long in the bath. Older babies tend to play in the water and thus, takes time and it is alright also that they stay longer.

[Amy]

Tub time later can be really fun - now it's really just a funtion of getting them clean and getting htem used to having to do it! AN d I agree - they'll let you know when they get cold.