But don’t rush into bath time without first learning how to bathe your baby. Over the first year of your baby’s life, you will need to transition from sponge baths to the baby bathtub to the big bathtub. Learn how to safely keep your baby clean and when your baby is ready for the big bathtub.
Sponge Baths for Your Newborn Baby
When you bring your little one home, they will most likely still have a stump from their umbilical cord. To reduce the risk of infection, it is important to only give your baby sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off and heals completely. To give your baby a sponge bath, lay them safely on top of a towel on a surface such as a changing table. Prepare a bowl of warm water (not hot water) and use a washcloth to gently pat your baby all over, taking care to clean between any folds of skin. Soap is mostly unnecessary for newborns. It can irritate or dry out your baby’s skin, which is quite sensitive. If you do use soap, use a mild type and use it sparingly. After washing your baby with the washcloth, you can fold them up swaddle-style in a fresh towel. If your baby has hair on their head, gently rub it dry. Note: You don’t have to rush to give your baby their first bath. The waxy substance called ‘vernix’ that covers your baby’s skin at birth is beneficial, and should be rubbed in, not washed off.
Bath Time in the Baby Bathtub
Once your baby’s umbilical cord falls off (usually before your baby reaches a month old), you can start using an infant tub or a baby bathtub. Small tubs that don’t leave much room for falling around are best. You can place these inside the sink or the big bathtub.
Other Ways to Bathe Your Baby
Some babies just do not like the infant tub. There are a few alternatives that might be a better fit for your baby’s bath time.
Using a Baby Bath Seat
If your baby cannot sit up unassisted, you may be able to use the baby bath seat inside your big bathtub. This is best for babies who can sit up with some assistance, such as in a bouncer. The bath seat keeps your baby in place and upright while you wash them off.
Taking a Bath With Your Baby
If your baby is resisting the baby bath tub, it may be because they crave physical closeness with you. Consider taking a bath with your baby.
How to Bathe Your Baby in the Big Bathtub
When your baby can sit up unassisted, they are ready for the big bathtub. They should be comfortable sitting up. If they are still toppling over, they are not ready. You can also wash your baby in the kitchen sink—some little ones feel safer in the smaller space and you may prefer standing to kneeling on a bathmat. When you first start bathing your baby in the regular bathtub, you only need a few inches of water. Keep the room warm so your baby does not catch a chill. You can add more water as your little one gets used to the big bathtub. Make bath time fun. Get a few simple bath toys like a rubber duck or a toy boat to start. Less is more—one to three toys will do it. After you dry your baby off, you can use baby lotion if their skin seems dry. If you notice any rashes, reach out to your pediatrician.
Safety Considerations
You should be within an arm’s reach of your baby and actively watching them at all times. Make no exceptions to this - drowning can occur in a very short period of time in an inch of water. Interacting with your baby by washing, singing songs, or playing with bath toys is a good way to maintain supervision. Always make sure that your water heater is set to lower than 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) to prevent burns to your baby’s skin. Consider a faucet cover to prevent your baby from bumping their head on the spout.
How Often Do Babies Need a Bath?
Babies only need a bath about three times per week. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, bathing your baby more often is unnecessary and can dry out their skin. If you want to make bath time part of your baby’s bedtime routine, skip the soap about four times per week. Enjoyed this article? Check out ‘Where Should Newborns Sleep?’ next!
