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Original poster

Putting baby in washing basket in public

219 replies

TottenhamCake · 31/03/2026 12:58

im really keen to find a more practical and safe way of washing my baby (4mo) after his swim lessons. Washing him in the shower feels like a disaster waiting to happen. I like to get him washed there as well, as he’s so exhausted I can’t get a bottle in him before his nap, and hate the thought of chlorine lingering on his skin.

im thinking of getting one of those foldable laundry baskets and using as a kind of bath. The shower heads there aren’t fixed to the wall so this could be done. Will I look like a complete lunatic though? Or does anyone have any better ideas??

OP posts:

SarahAndQuack · 31/03/2026 13:22

Comtesse · 31/03/2026 13:19

What do you think chlorine will be doing to babies’ skin?
A quick swoosh under the shower is plenty.

Does depend on the baby - there was a boy in our NCT group who really reacted to chlorinated water and if the OP's DC is like this, I would understand why she wants to get it off.

Comtesse · 31/03/2026 13:19

What do you think chlorine will be doing to babies’ skin?
A quick swoosh under the shower is plenty.

Mydustymonstera · 31/03/2026 13:16

My bigger concern was always how to wash my own hair, it seemed such a chore not to be able to get it done while already wet!!
you could look into the sort of baby carrier you can use while in water it sounded perfect for the post swim shower (but like a load of extra cost to solve that one tiny problem)

marcyhermit · 31/03/2026 13:14

Just rinse off under the shower and give him a bath at home 😂

ToKittyornottoKitty · 31/03/2026 13:14

Just hold him in the shower for a few seconds, it’s just a quick rinse. No need to faff around with washing baskets

Mydustymonstera · 31/03/2026 13:14

Please please don’t do this if the pool is busy and other people are waiting for the showers!!

SparkyBlue · 31/03/2026 13:11

Step into the shower it takes two seconds. Don’t bring unnecessary drama on yourself. My son with asd hated showers for years and never rinsed after swimming (and he loves the pool). He is fine absolutely no harm done.

Elizabeta · 31/03/2026 13:09

How are you going to fill the baby bath? And is it going to be easy to empty? Crack on of you want, but it will be something you put on a ‘mad things I did with a newborn’ thread in a few years time.

Just hold the baby while you both shower.

newornotnew · 31/03/2026 13:08

I would just hold him for a quick rinse.

SarahAndQuack · 31/03/2026 13:08

Ooh, I would think you were a genius!

If anyone asks you just tell them it's the latest model of poolside shower baby equipment and you got it from Mamas and Papas.

Seriously, I would possibly find out of those bath seat things, but I relate to the issue - I also had a DC who would have screamed blue murder about being unsupported in the shower, and I couldn't possibly have held onto her safely and washed her.

NuffSaidSam · 31/03/2026 13:08

You only need to rinse him so just hold him in your arms and step into the shower for two minutes.

Do the laundry basket thing if you want, but it seems a lot of unnecessary faff! People will think it's weird, but that's no reason not to do it

dizzydizzydizzy · 31/03/2026 13:08

Ex-lifeguard at a pool with lots of swimming lessons - everyone I ever saw stood in the shower holding their baby. However, if you prefer the washing basket option, then it’s no issue. Nobody will care.

Lomonald · 31/03/2026 13:07

Although what pp said about holding him under is also fine.

Lomonald · 31/03/2026 13:06

anonocakey · 31/03/2026 13:03

You can foldable baby baths especially for this type of situation.

Yes this, we used to caravan when kids were young i had a folding bath for the showers so I could bath the baby,

takealettermsjones · 31/03/2026 13:04

I mean you would probably look like a bit of a lunatic but why should that stop you if it works for you? 🤣

That said I would definitely just hold baby in my arms and step in, it's only for a quick rinse ☺️

anonocakey · 31/03/2026 13:04

Or even inflatable ones.

Peonies12 · 31/03/2026 13:04

AllWasWell · 31/03/2026 13:03

Why can’t you just step into the shower with the baby in your arms for a rinse and proper bath later?

this is what we’ve always done. Never had any skin issues, and we swim once or twice a week. I think you’re overthinking it. Easier with a 4 month old than a toddler!!