How to Bath a Baby: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Parents
Bathing a baby is one of the most essential, yet nerve-wracking, tasks for new parents. The thought of handling a tiny, slippery newborn can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, bathing can become a fun and bonding experience for both you and your baby. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from when and how to bathe a baby to the best tips for keeping them safe and comfortable.
When Should You Start Bathing Your Baby?
In the first few days after birth, your baby’s skin is delicate, and it’s important to handle it with care. It is recommended to wait until your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off and the area heals completely before giving your baby a bath. Until then, it’s best to “top and tail”, cleaning your baby’s face, neck, hands, and bottom with a soft, damp cloth to avoid submerging the stump in water. Your newborn’s umbilical cord stump typically falls off about a week or two after birth.
Generally, a bath two to three times a week is enough. However, if your baby loves bath time and finds it calming, there’s no harm in making it part of your daily routine. Although if you are finding their skin is dry you may want to consider moisturising.
Getting Ready: What You’ll Need
Before you begin, it’s essential to gather all the supplies you’ll need to make the bathing process smooth and safe.
Here’s a checklist:
- BabyDam bathwater barrier
- Bath support
- Thermometer
- Washcloths
- Cup or small jug for rinsing
- Bath toy
- Soft baby towel
- Clean nappy and clothes for after the bath
- Maybe some mild, fragrance-free baby soap or shampoo
- Baby lotion to moisturise your baby’s skin post-bath
Always ensure you have everything within arm’s reach so you don’t have to step away from your baby, even for a second, during the bath.
Step-by-Step Guide to ‘How to Bath a Baby?’ – your questions answered!
Preparation
Make sure your bath is clean and you set up a small space for bathing. Consider using the BabyDam bathwater barrier to baby-size your family bath. The smaller section of the bath ensures you can keep your baby within arm’s reach for safety as well as saving water, time and space by only filling the area in the bath you need.
How much to water do you need to fill a baby bath?
When your baby is tiny you should only fill the bath about 8 to 10cm. Run the cold water first and then hot, stirring the water thoroughly to get rid of any hot or cold spots, and then check the temperature.
What temperature should a baby’s bath be?
The recommended water temperature for a baby’s bath ranges from 35°C to 38°C. Ensure it’s safe by using a thermometer or test the water with your wrist or elbow; it should feel comfortably warm, not too hot.
Should you use a bathing aid like a baby bath support or seat?
Using a bath support when bathing a newborn has several benefits, often making the experience safer and more comfortable for both you and your baby. A bath support, for example the BabyDam WarmWave, keeps your baby securely in place, preventing them from slipping or sliding in the water. With a bath support, you can have one or both hands free to wash your baby, rather than focusing on holding them. They are often designed to comfortably cradle babies, mimicking the feeling of being held which can help soothe newborns during the bath, making it more enjoyable. If you’re bathing your baby alone, a bath support can make the task much more manageable.
Are bath supports and baby bath seats safe?
Yes, baby bath supports can be safe when used correctly. Even when using a bath support, it’s essential to never leave your baby unattended in the bath, not even for a few seconds. Babies can slip or tip over unexpectedly, and drowning can happen in just the smallest amount of water. Ensure the bath support is placed securely in the bath and that it has non-slip features to prevent it from moving like suction cups. Bath supports are usually designed for specific age groups and sizes, it’s important to use a support that matches your baby’s current size and developmental stage. Always keep your baby within arms reach as they can give parents a false sense of security,
What’s the difference between a baby bath support and baby bath seat?
The difference between a baby bath support and a baby bath seat lies in their design, functionality, and the stage at which they are used for bathing babies.
A Baby Bath Support, like the BabyDam WarmWave, is typically designed for newborns and younger babies (0-6 months) who can’t yet sit up independently. The design is usually a sloped structure that cradles the baby. The purpose of a bath support is to hold the baby in a slight reclined position, offering support while you have your hands free to wash your baby.
A Baby Bath Seat, like the BabyDam Orbital, is for older babies (5 months and up) who have started sitting up unaided but may still need some support to stay seated securely in the bath. They have an upright seat with a secure frame and often includes safety features like a post in the middle of their legs, removable armrest, strong suction cups, a swivel base and a backrest. The bath seat helps keep the baby sitting upright while they splash and play in the water.
When’s the best time to bath your baby?
You can bath your baby any time of day, however, choose a time when you feel relaxed and aren’t under any time pressures. Make sure your baby isn’t hungry and you don’t bath them straight after a feed. At BabyDam we feel bathing your baby in the evening can create a lovely, calming bedtime routine.
Getting your baby ready
Undress your baby completely but leave the nappy on for now. Wrap them in a towel to keep them warm and prevent them from getting cold too quickly. Babies lose body heat rapidly, especially when they are undressed. The BabyDam CozyToze towel, is perfect for babies made from super soft 100% bamboo.
How warm should the bathroom be when you bath a baby?
To ensure your baby stays warm, keep the bathroom at a comfortable temperature, ideally between 75°C and 80°C.
Before placing your baby in the water, use a damp washcloth to gently wipe their face, eyes, and ears.
Slowly Lower Your Baby into the Bath
Remove your baby’s nappy and slowly place your baby into the bath or their bath support. If you’re not using a bath support, make sure to support their head and neck with one hand. Their head should remain above the water, while the rest of their body is submerged just enough to keep them warm.
How Long Should Your Baby Stay In The Bath?
Your newborn doesn’t need to be in the bath very long, keep it short and sweet usually 5 to 10 minutes to start with. Once your baby is out of the newborn stage they may stay in the bath longer.
Clean Their Body
Using a clean cloth, gently wash your baby’s neck, arms, torso, and legs, pay special attention to skin folds, where dirt can build up. Don’t forget to under the arms, and around the nappy area. It’s recommended that you avoid using soap until your baby is at least 4 weeks old. If you decide to use soap, use a mild, non-perfumed brand when needed. Plain water is best for your baby’s skin during in the first month.
Lift Your Baby Out Carefully
With one hand supporting the baby’s head and neck and the other under their bottom, gently lift your baby out of the bath. Immediately wrap them in a soft, warm towel, making sure to cover their head to prevent them from getting cold.
Dry and Moisturise
Once your baby is wrapped in the towel, gently pat (don’t rub) their skin dry, paying attention to skin folds like the neck, underarms, and groin area. After drying, you may wish to apply a mild, fragrance-free baby lotion or oil to keep their skin soft and hydrated.
Dress Your Baby
Put on a clean nappy and dress your baby in soft, comfortable clothes. Now your little one is clean, get ready for the next part of their day/night!
Recap of Important Safety Tips for Bathing Your Baby
- Always supervise your baby: Never leave your baby unattended during a bath, not even for a few seconds.
- Test the water temperature: Always test the water before placing your baby in the bath to ensure it’s not too hot or too cold.
- Limit bath time: A bath should be relatively quick—around 5 to 10 minutes—to avoid your baby becoming too cold and to prevent their delicate skin from drying out when they are tiny.
- Hold them securely: Newborns are slippery when wet, so be sure to keep a firm but gentle grip on your baby, especially when lifting them in and out of the water.
- Skip the bubbles and strong soaps: Fragrances and harsh chemicals can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin, so stick to mild, fragrance-free products designed for infants if you wish to use anything at all.
Making Bath Time Enjoyable
For many babies, bath time can be soothing and fun. To make the experience more enjoyable:
- Create a calming atmosphere: Soft lighting and gentle voices can make bath time a relaxing part of your baby’s bedtime routine.
- Sing or talk to your baby: Use bath time as an opportunity to bond. Talk to your baby or sing a nursery rhyme as you bathe them.
- Use bath toys: As your baby gets older, simple bath toys like rubber ducks can turn bath time into a fun and learning experience. BabyDam Family of Five Ducks offer bath toys which are not only hygienic but promote imaginative play and can enhance motor skills.
Bathing your baby may seem daunting at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. The key is to stay calm, prepare everything in advance, and always keep your baby safe. Bath time can be a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby while keeping them clean and comfortable. Overtime, both you and your baby will grow to enjoy this special part of the routine!