the perfect bathtime, every time
Bathing your newborn for the first time might feel a little daunting, but don’t worry, we're here to guide you through.
There is no set age when you should bathe your baby, however, it is advised that you do not bathe them in the first few days. This is because you want to allow the natural moisturiser to be absorbed naturally into their skin, helping protect them against infection.
Babies only need one to two baths a week in their first year. If your little one is a water baby, you can up the frequency but ensure you aren’t using too much soap as this may dry their sensitive skin.
When you are ready to bathe your baby, you may prefer to begin with the ‘top and tail’ technique, where you just wash their face and bottom. This eases you both into a bathtime ritual without having to fill the bath.
How to top and tail:
- Ensure the room is nice and warm (around 24°C) before you undress your baby.
- Lay your baby on a covered changing mat
- Undress them, but keep their nappy on.
- Wrap them in a soft towel to keep them warm.
- Dip cotton wool into cooled boiled water.
Remember: always check the temperature of the water- lukewarm or room temperature is ideal.
- Gently wipe your baby’s eyes from the nose outwards.
- Next, clean around the ears, avoiding the ear canal.
Remember: use clean cotton wool for each wipe so you don’t spread any infection.
- Now wash their face and neck. Start from the middle and work outwards. Use a cotton wool ball, sponge (product link), or soft washcloth.
- Change their nappy, ensuring you clean inside the folds of skin (wipe girls from front to back) and dry thoroughly before you put on a clean nappy.
- Dress your baby in a clean sleepsuit, give them a warm cuddle to calm them, as well as making up for any drop in temperature.
If you are ready to bathe your little one, pick a time when your baby is happy, fed and not overtired.
Some babies love bath time, while others need a bit of persuading. Bathtime is a great time for bonding and soothing, so planning it into your bedtime routine should help them sleep easy.
How to bath:
- Ensure the room is warm and keep the lights and noise down if bathing before bedtime.
- Run the bath using first cold, then hot water. The ideal temperature is 37-38 °C. Test the temperature with your elbow- it should feel neither hot nor cold. It may help at first to use a bath thermometer to be sure.
- If using a baby bath, it may have a maximum fill indicator, if not, run the water to a depth of approximately 8–10cm.
- Holding your baby firmly yet gently, lower them into the water.
- Use a soft sponge or washcloth to gently wash your baby’s body from top to bottom and front to back.
- Once finished, lift your baby carefully out of the bath and wrap them in a towel. Their bath should take no longer than 10 minutes, any longer and they may start to cool down and feel uncomfortable.
- Dry your baby thoroughly before changing their nappy and dressing them in a clean sleepsuit.
- Soothe them by giving them a warming cuddle.
You don’t need soap or bubbles in the bath for babies up to six weeks. For older babies, you can use a little un-perfumed soap. When you’re ready to wash baby’s hair, gently massage in a small drop of shampoo, then rinse using a cup with a soft, flexible edge to avoid getting anything in your baby’s eyes.
Remember: Never leave a baby or child in the bath alone, even for a few seconds. Even if an older child is with them or you’re using a bath seat or support, you must stay with your baby.
A baby bath or bath support provides a helping hand, creating a safe environment for bathing. There are various options on the market which suit different ages and needs, here’s a little guidance to help you make the right choice.
Choosing the right bath:
· Newborn bath
These ergonomically shaped non-slip baths include a newborn insert for extra support, keeping your baby sitting comfortably. As they’re smaller, the water stays warmer for longer and are ideal if you don’t have a bathtub as it fits perfectly into a shower tray.
· Standard baby bath
A traditional baby bath with a wide, non-slip base is ideal for a newborn, and as they’re a little larger, they will suit your baby as they grow. They have handy storage for toiletries and a plug for easy emptying.
· Bath supports
If you prefer to use the family bath, a bath support can help keep your baby comfortable by gently cradling them in the water. Bath supports are available in a variety of designs from foam supports and fabric seats to Soft-Touch Baby Bath Supports with perforated surfaces to make washing easy.
-Bathmats
A bathmat with an attached support is ideal for older babies who can sit upright (around six months). Our Aqua Pod Bathmat attaches safely to your bath and has a shaped back and T-bar handle for support. It also features a hot spot, giving you a quick visual indication of when the water is too hot for your little one.
Bathtimes can become a lovely part of your bedtime routine. The warm water, all the attention and cuddles can help to relax your baby before bedtime. However, not all babies like a bath and some get over-stimulated during bathtimes. If they do, just top and tail for now and introduce a bath later. Here are a few more handy hints and tips to make bathtime a breeze:
- When bathing, keep your baby’s umbilical cord stump dry – it will drop off naturally after a couple of weeks.
- Cuddle and Dry Towels are soft and absorbent with a hooded corner, making it easy to wrap your baby from head to toe.
- Always run the bath before undressing your baby- never top up the water with your baby already in it.
- Gather everything you’ll need before you begin. A Bath Box is ideal for keeping all your bath and changing essentials organised and in one place.
- Talking softly and singing to your baby during a bath will help them feel reassured.
- Bending and lifting can be painful after birth, so ask for help with bathtimes.
- Confidence comes with practice, so don’t be scared to ask for help with the first few baths.