Baby Bath Time [Essentials and Step-by-step Guide]

Baby bath time is our most favorite time of day. It is one of the many bonding moments I share with my little ones. It’s part of their bedtime routine as well. It just helps them sleep better at night.

Just to warn you though, not all babies love bath time. Your baby might squirm and scream at first, but soon he will love it too with the right products and technique.

On that note, let’s talk about my baby bath time essentials. No fluff, just the important stuff.

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Related: How to Prepare for your Baby {with Printables}

Baby Bath Time Essentials

Your baby bath time essentials must be safe and should be made of good quality materials. Here are my must-haves when giving my baby a bath:

1. Baby Bath Tub

You can find an inexpensive yet durable baby bath tub from your friendly neighborhood department store.

However, I recommend that you get the best baby bath tub to last the whole year until your baby is ready for the real one. Most importantly, a good quality baby bath tub can help ensure your baby’s safety.

I recommend this baby bath tub from Fisher-Price. I am a big Fisher-Price fan and both my kids used the older blue whale baby bath tub when they were still very little. This is a newer version of it.

Fisher-Price Whale of a Tub

2. Baby Body wash and Shampoo

Be careful in choosing a body wash and a shampoo for your baby. Make sure that they feature a gentle formula that won’t easily dry your baby’s delicate skin.

I strongly recommend these baby bath toiletries. Both my kids are still using Aveeno baby bath time products up to this very moment.

Aveeno Baby Wash and Shampoo

Aveeno Calming Comfort Bath

3. Baby Scalp Massaging Scrub

Are you familiar with the cradle cap?

A cradle cap is a common and harmless condition that affects newborn babies. Rough, scaly patches will appear on your baby’s head for no known reason at all.

To prevent cradle cap (or treat it), you are advised to gently scrub your baby’s scalp with a soft-bristled brush and a mild shampoo.

Safety 1st Cradle Cap Brush and Comb

4. Rinsing Cup

As a mom, you think of ways to make everything easier for you without jeopardizing the safety of your baby.

This rinsing cup from Skip Hop is great for giving your baby a bath. It is designed to keep water out of your baby’s eyes and ears. It also has a soft lip that cushions your baby’s forehead. Truly safe so you can be comfortable all through baby bath time.

Skip Hop Safety Moby Waterfall Bath Rinser

5. Soft washcloths

When purchasing washcloths, always look for something that is gentle on your baby’s skin yet super absorbent.

Washcloths made out of thin and soft materials are the way to go as they can provide your baby a comfortable bath time experience.

Natural Muslin Baby Washcloths

6. Hooded baby towels

Last but definitely not least, you are going to need some baby bath towels. Hooded ones are mostly recommended as they will cover your baby’s head too.

I love buying baby bath towels with adorable animal designs as they are so fun. They surely give me a serious dopamine boost! (Ha!)

Natemia Extra Soft Rayon from Bamboo Hooded Towel

Natemia Extra Soft Rayon from Bamboo Hooded Towel

Now on to the most intimidating yet special part of all… How do you really give your baby a bath? Yes, I said intimidating. Not so encouraging, right? Stay with me please.

As any first time parent, everything that involves the safety of your baby is always scary. (Like when you give your newborn baby a fingernail trim?! What now, huh? Let’s talk about that later. I will be preparing a whole blog post about that soon.)

How to give your baby a bath?

Reminder: Always protect your baby’s head and neck.

1. Make sure the room’s temperature is around 75-degree Fahrenheit as baby gets cold easily.
2. Fill your baby’s bathtub with warm water. (Check the water’s temperature with a water thermometer to be sure. Baby’s bath water temperature should be between 90 to 100-degree Fahrenheit.  Any temperature over that will be too hot and any temperature below that will be too cold. If a water thermometer is not available, check the water’s temperature with your wrist or your elbow. It should feel pleasantly warm and not hot. If it is hot for you, it will be too hot for the baby.)
3. Carefully slip your baby’s feet into the tub, gradually putting his whole body to the warm water so he won’t be surprised.
4. Gently pour cupfuls of warm water on to his body frequently so he won’t get cold.
5. Squirt a little baby shampoo or body wash to the soft washcloth and wash him from head to toe, front to back.
6. Softly scrub his scalp with a massaging brush to prevent cradle cap (or treat it).
7. Rinse the washcloth thoroughly and use it to wipe his eyes from the inside corners to the outside corners very gently.
8. Rinse your baby thoroughly with cupfuls of warm water.
9. Lift him swiftly out of his tub.
10. Wrap him very carefully with a hooded towel and pat him dry.
11. Put his diaper on and dress him in fresh, warm clothes.

A Video Guide to Baby Bath Time by Today’s Parent

Important Notes for Baby Bath Time

• Baby’s skin is more prone to lose moisture more quickly than the adult skin. If you wish, you can apply a dab of baby lotion after your baby’s bath to prevent skin dryness.
• It is not recommended to give your baby a bath every day unless he starts crawling and gets himself in a mess.

Conclusion for Baby Bath Time

Every baby is different. Not everyone will have an instant fondness to bath time in general. Keep doing it to establish a routine though. Babies love routine. Routine provides them comfort.

Baby-related articles:

First Weeks with A Newborn Survival Guide

Fever in Babies and Toddlers: Everything You Need to Know about

Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to share it with your friends.

Talk to you soon,

A Step-by-Step Guide to Giving your Baby a Bath and the Baby Bath Time Essentials