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Inside: Find a detailed guide on how to bathe your newborn and learn the bathtime essentials of baby bath time while at it!
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 to take care of yourself while still giving your baby much-needed attention.
That’s a win-win for me!
Just 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!
With that said, let’s get started with the fundamentals of baby bath time.
“Happiness is taking a long, warm bath.”
~ Anonymous
- Why Baby Bath Time is Important
- When should your newborn baby get his first bath?
- Our List of Bath Essentials for Baby
- How to Bathe Your Baby the Right Way
- How much bath water should you put in the baby’s bathtub?
- A Video Guide to Baby Bath Time
- Final Thoughts on the Guide to Bathing Your Baby and the Essential Supplies to Bath Time
- Baby Bath Time Essentials Infographic
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 time essentials must be safe and should be made of good quality materials. Here are my must-haves when bathing my baby:
1. Baby Bathtub
You can find an inexpensive yet durable baby tub at your friendly neighborhood department store.
However, I recommend that 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 also ensure your baby’s safety while bathing.
This Fisher-Price baby bathtub is something I strongly encourage other parents to get. Both of 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! This, like the previously mentioned baby tub, has a sling that adjusts to a cushioned baby bath seat to support your baby from head to toe!
Here’s another one I recommend. 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 strongly recommend this Aveeno baby bath set. This tear-free hypoallergenic set is conveniently packed in a reusable wicker basket and includes everything you need for bath time with your little one, plus it even has a bonus for mom!
Both my kids are still using these baby bath products 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. For no apparent reason, rough, scaly patches will appear on your baby’s head.
To prevent cradle cap (or treat it), you are advised to gently scrub your baby’s scalp with a soft-bristled brush or any kind of scalp massaging scrub and a mild shampoo.
4. Rinse Cup
As a mom, you think of ways to make everything easier for you without jeopardizing the safety of your baby.
Using a rinse cup during baby baths will give your child extra protection. It can keep water from getting into your baby’s eyes and ears.
This Skip Hop Baby Bath Rinse Cup is a great option because it promises the previously stated benefit. It also features a soft lip to protect your baby’s head. True security, so you can loosen up during your baby’s bath time.
5. Soft washcloth
When shopping for baby washcloths, look for something gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin while also being extremely 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. Hooded towels are highly suggested because they cover your baby’s head too.
I love buying baby bath towels with adorable animal designs because they are so fun. They surely give me a serious dopamine boost! (Ha!)
How to Bathe Your Baby the Right Way
Now on to the most important yet intimate part of all: How do you bathe your baby? As intimidating as it seems, it’s not that hard at all.
However, as any first-time parent knows, everything that involves the safety of your baby 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 in no time!
Step-by-step Guide to Bathing Your Baby Safely
Reminder: Always protect your baby’s head and neck.
- Make sure the room’s temperature is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, as the baby gets cold easily.
- 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 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, not hot. If it is hot for you, it will be too hot for the baby.
- Carefully slip your baby’s feet into the tub, gradually putting his whole body into the warm water so he won’t be surprised.
- Gently pour cupfuls of warm water onto his body frequently so he won’t get cold.
- Squirt baby shampoo or body wash into the soft baby washcloth and wash him from head to toe, front to back.
- Softly scrub his scalp with a massaging brush to prevent cradle cap (or treat it).
- With a clean washcloth, wipe his eyes from the inside corners to the outside corners very gently.
- Rinse your baby thoroughly with cupfuls of warm water. Be sure to include all the crevices, especially the diaper areas.
- Lift him swiftly out of his tub.
- Wrap him very carefully with a hooded towel and pat him dry.
- Dress him in new, warm clothes and a clean diaper.
How much bath water should you put in the baby’s bathtub?
According to Mayo Clinic, the common recommendation is about 2 inches or 5 centimeters deep of warm bath water—just enough to cover the bottom of your newborn’s body.
A Video Guide to Baby Bath Time
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 more quickly than 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 bathe your baby every day unless he starts crawling and gets himself in a mess.
- Infants do not need bath toys. Older babies, on the other hand, will enjoy them. And because older babies are more active, it won’t hurt to get a spout cover to protect them from accidental bumps.
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
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)
Such a great guide, very informative. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ Let me know if you are interested in doing collabs! xx
Thank you, Tiffany! Glad you found this baby bath time guide very informative. Anyway, will get back to you when I am ready.
I remember the days of bathing a baby with fondness. There’s nothing sweeter than wrapping baby in a hooded towel after bathtime and cuddling! Lots of great products available now.
My mom said the same thing and my mother-in-law is having the time of her life shopping for baby essentials and luxuries for her grandbabies! I’m not complaining!
I LOVE Aveeno for my little one! Also, bath time is my favorite bonding time with my 1-year-old. Having the proper essentials is super important!
I so agree with you, Ya! Aveeno is the best! We love it and we are still using it up to now! One of our baby bath time essentials indeed!
Love the baby scalp massager, I haven’t seen that before!! Great tips!
Both my kids used the scalp massager when they were still very little. It totally prevented the cradle cap from happening! Thus, I always recommend it as a baby bath time essential! Thank you, Kate!
My babies all loved bath time. It was always my way of resetting the clock and starting the day & also helped a lot with my daughter who had Colic.
Yes, I can attest that a warm bath really helps with colic. My little girl had a bad case of colic too. It lasted for around 8 weeks. Baby bath time was truly our happy moment and still is. Thank you for stopping by, Michelle!
this is such good info, when i have a baby ill be reading this :)!!
Lol! Awwww… I really appreciate it, Kathleen! This baby bath time guide will be great for you in the future.
Love, love love this post. The Whale tub! Oh how that brought back memories, My daughters now 6 and 7 had the whale tub. I love the new version! Such an informative article and a joy to read 💕
Thank you so much for reading it, Jennifer! The whale of a tub is definitely my favorite! The Aveeno calming comfort bath comes to a close second. Both make my babies’ bath time all the more awesome!
It’s been a long time since we had baby bath time in our home. It was always a slow down time, time to connect and talk. We told stories to our babies, talked to them, they looked to us with great attention.
Awwww! You’re right about that, Blair. Baby bath time is really one of those many bonding moments we share with my babies. They love the water a lot! Not to mention, it helps them sleep better at night too.
Great group of products! Very informative!
Thank you, Michele! I gave it my best to share something so informative with the first time moms. Baby bath time is one of the most intimidating of all.
This is very informative. I like the waterfall bath rinser. Thanks for sharing ❤
Thank you for stopping by, Sheqo! I love the waterfall bath rinser too. If you are scared getting water to your baby’s ears during baby bath time, you really have to invest in those.