Baby Bath Time Essentials for Bathing a Newborn

Inside: Ensure a pleasant and satisfying bathtime routine for your little one with our list of bath essentials for baby, and find out how to successfully bathe them with our step-by-step guide!

Are you a new parent looking for baby bath essentials? Look no further because I will not only provide you with a list of what your baby requires for bath time, but I will also demonstrate how to bathe your newborn properly!

I love bath time! (And so do my babies.)

I mean, who wouldn’t? It’s the best excuse to indulge in a soothing bubble bath. You get time for self-care while providing your little ones the much-needed attention they require.

That’s a win-win for me!

To warn you, though, not all babies love their first bath. Your baby may initially squirm and scream, but he will come to love it pretty soon.

So don’t fret, Mama!

Anyhow, with that out of the way, allow us to get started with the basics of baby bath time.

“Happiness is taking a long, warm bath.”

~Anonymous

Why Baby Bath Time is Important

Bath time with your newborn has numerous benefits, some of which are listed below:

• Bathing with your baby is a great way to spend quality time with them, thus strengthening your bond.
• A warm bath before bedtime promotes relaxation so your newborn can sleep better.
• Bath time is an excellent time to introduce your child to his senses so that he can gradually improve them, leading to better brain development.

When should your newborn baby get his first bath?

The World Health Organization strongly recommends that a newborn baby’s first bath be delayed until 24 hours after birth.

If cultural factors inhibit this recommendation, hasten the newborn baby’s bath no sooner than 6 hours later.

Our List of Bath Essentials for Baby

Your baby’s bath must-haves must be safe and made of good-quality materials. Here is a list of baby bath essentials when bathing your baby:

1. Baby Bathtub

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

However, I recommend you purchase the best infant tub to last the entire year until your child is ready for a real one. Purchasing a high-quality baby bathtub will ensure your baby’s safety while bathing.

Here are some of the best baby bathtubs on the market today:

• This Fisher-Price baby bathtub is something I strongly encourage other parents to get. My kids loved the blue whale baby bathtub from Fisher-Price when they were very young.
• This Skip Hop whale-shaped tub is also an excellent choice! Like the previously mentioned baby tub, it has a sling that adjusts to a cushioned baby bath seat to support your baby from head to toe!
• This is another baby bathtub I recommend. It’s the most affordable of all the tubs I mentioned and created by The First Years. Some of my friends also swear by them!

2. Baby Body Wash and Shampoo

Choose your baby’s body wash and shampoo with caution. Make sure they have a gentle formula that won’t dry out your baby’s sensitive skin.

I am an Aveeno fan. They have been a pediatrician-and-dermatologist-recommended brand for years.

That’s why I strongly recommend this Aveeno baby bath set. This tear-free hypoallergenic set comes in a reusable wicker basket and includes everything you need for bath time with your little one (plus a bonus for mom)!

Both my kids are still using these baby products for bathtime at this very moment.

3. Baby Scalp Massaging Scrub

Are you familiar with the cradle cap?

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

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

4. Rinse Cup

As a mom, you think of ways to make everything easier without jeopardizing your little one’s safety.

Using a rinsing cup during baby baths can be advantageous in several ways. To begin with, it keeps soap and shampoo out of your baby’s eyes. Second, it provides better water flow control and helps minimize splashing. Third, it keeps your infant warm by reducing the amount of water that comes into contact with their skin. Finally, it may be a fun and interactive way to engage with your baby while in the bath.

This Skip Hop Baby Bath Rinse Cup is an excellent choice because it promises the previously stated benefit. It also features a soft lip to protect your baby’s head. It’s the stability you can rely on, allowing you to let loose during your baby’s bath time.

5. Soft washcloth

When shopping for baby washcloths, aim for something gentle on your baby’s delicate skin while also being incredibly absorbent.

A cotton washcloth is made of chemically organic fabric. Thus, there are no synthetic materials in it.

Always remember that thin and soft materials are the way to go for a comfortable bathtime experience for your baby.

You may scrub little bottoms, tiny hands, and all regions in between with these soft and gentle muslin washcloths for the face and body since they are manufactured from organic muslin cotton, which is kinder and more comfortable for a baby’s sensitive skin.

6. Hooded towels

The last thing on the list you are going to need is some baby towels. Towels with little hoods are highly suggested because they cover your baby’s head.

I love buying baby bath towels with adorable animal designs because they are a blast. They certainly give me quite the dopamine boost! (Ha!)

How to Bathe Your Baby the Right Way

Now, the most critical yet intimidating part: How do you bathe your baby? As frightening as it seems, it’s not that hard at all.

However, as any first-time parent knows, everything connected to your baby’s safety is always scary. Like when you give your newborn baby a fingernail trim with nail clippers! Ring a bell? Let’s talk about that later!

Now, let’s move on.

Performing your first baby bath will be nerve-wracking for a first-time mom. That is a natural reaction! Just try to remain calm. With this baby bathing guide, you’ll be a pro soon!

Step-by-step Guide to Bathing Your Baby Safely

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

1. Ensure the room’s temperature is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, as the baby gets cold quickly.
2. Fill your baby’s bathtub with warm water. Check the water’s temperature with a bath thermometer to be sure. Baby’s bath water temperature should be between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature above that will be too hot, and any degree below that will be too cold. If a water thermometer is unavailable, check the temperature of the water with your wrist or elbow. It should feel pleasantly warm, not hot. If you think the water is hot, it will be scorching for the baby.
3. Carefully slip your baby’s feet into the tub, gradually putting their whole body into the warm water so they won’t be surprised.
4. Gently pour cupfuls of warm water onto their body frequently so they won’t get cold.
5. Squirt baby shampoo or body wash into the soft baby washcloth and cleanse them from head to toe, front to back.
6. Softly scrub their scalp with a massaging brush to prevent cradle cap (or treat it).
7. Wipe their eyes gently from the inside to the outside corners using a clean washcloth.
8. Rinse your baby thoroughly with cupfuls of warm water. Be sure to include all the crevices, especially the diaper areas.
9. Lift them swiftly out of their tub.
10. Wrap them very carefully with a hooded towel and pat them dry.
11. Dress them in new, warm clothes and a clean diaper.

Never let go of your baby while they are in the bath to avoid accidents. If you still feel unsure about bathing your newborn, consider giving them a sponge bath.

How much bath water should you put in the baby’s bathtub?

When bathing a newborn, ensure that the water level is adequate. The universally recommended depth is around 2 inches or 5 centimeters, just enough to cover the bottom of your newborn’s body.

Use warm water to guarantee your baby’s comfort during the whole bathing experience. Please maintain your gaze on your child and confirm their safety in the bath.

A Video Guide to Baby Bath Time

This video guide offers valuable tips and strategies for making your baby’s first bath at home and every bathtime after that as stress-free as possible.

Important Notes for Baby Bath Time

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sponge baths until your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off, which could take a week or two. Give your child a sponge bath on a warm, flat surface like a kitchen or bathroom counter.
• Bathing your wet and slippery baby can be a stressful experience! Always proceed with caution!
• Baby’s skin is more likely to lose moisture quickly than adult skin. Apply a dab of baby lotion on your little one after their bath to prevent dry skin, if you wish.
• It is not recommended to bathe your baby every day unless he starts crawling and gets himself into a mess.
• Infants do not need bath toys. Older babies, on the other hand, will enjoy them. And because older babies are more active, get a bath spout cover to protect them from accidental bumps.
• Put a non-slip bath mat on the bathroom floor and one in the bath.
• If you wish to set your baby’s tub in your actual tub at bathtime, I suggest investing in a kneeler pad for your comfort. When my kids were small, we had this bath kneeler.

Final Thoughts on the Guide to Bathing Your Baby and the Essential Supplies to Bath Time

Even though all babies require special care, each one is unique. Bathing is not something that everyone enjoys right away. However, continue doing so until your baby develops a habit. Infants thrive on consistency. A routine will make them feel secure.

Thank you for reading! And please don’t forget to share it with your friends!

Talk to you soon,

Baby Bath Time Essentials Infographic

Below is a helpful infographic explaining why these baby bath products are essential to have on hand.

You might also like the following guides for baby care:

First Weeks with A Newborn Survival Guide

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

How to Prepare for Your Baby (with Printables)