A deep relaxation bath is another version of formal baby bathing, but it can also be used as a settling technique for an irritable baby. You may be shown how to do a deep relaxation bath at the hospital or you may just try it yourself when you feel confident in holding your baby in the water. Some parents will give their baby a 'deep bath' with them in the big bath (this is discussed later on in this section).
The water is usually deep enough to allow the baby to float and is comfortably warm. Making the bath deep can help your baby relax because they are able to float weightlessly on their back and / or on their tummies (just as they did in utero), while being supported with your hand and wrist.
It is a similar process to a formal bath explained previously, (except there is more water!) and the baby may be turned over on their stomach for a while (although this is not essential).
To do a deep relaxation bath you need to feel confident in holding your baby. Normally, your baby's head will rest on your wrist, with the same hand holding your baby's arm. When lifting them in, your other hand may hold their feet, with your forefingers between their ankles, or you may place the other hand under their bottom (whichever feels most comfortable).
You can keep hold of your baby's ankles (or your hand under their bottom) while you gently move them backwards and forwards through the water. After a while you can let go of their ankles (or bottom) to allow your baby to float, still moving them in the water. Make sure the movements are smooth and unhurried. If your baby looks startled, gently hold both their hands together, resting them on her chest.
Image 10-23 shows the baby being supported with one hand, while moving through the water.
Image 11-29 illustrates how to calm a startled baby, by holding their hands together on their chest.
If you want to, you can turn your baby over so they can float on their tummy.