Bathtime with your baby can be tub-loads of fun, filled with giggles, splashes, and sudsy mohawks. But it can also bring up a lot of questions and concerns, especially for new parents. How often should you bathe your little one? What’s the deal with all those baby bath products lining the shelves? And what do you do when your baby decides the bathtub is number one on their enemies list? Don’t sweat it—we’ve got you covered.
This guide is your go-to resource for all things bathtime. It answers the most common questions and offers practical, real-world tips. We’ll help you transform bathtime from a slippery struggle into a fun bonding ritual that you and your baby look forward to.
When Should You Give Your Newborn Their First Bath at Home?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until the umbilical stump heals before giving your newborn their first tub bath at home (that usually takes about two weeks). Similarly, circumcision incisions should be fully healed before bathing your little one, as well.
In the meantime, sponge baths are the way to go. Keep the wash-up gentle and quick until your baby has gotten used to it.
- Fill a bowl with warm water—the ideal temp is right around 100°. You can test the temperature by dipping your elbow or the inside of your wrist in the water first.
- After removing your baby’s clothes, lay them on a towel on a flat surface or in an infant tub (even with a tub, laying a towel under your baby can help keep them in place). Cover them with another towel to keep them warm.
- Wash small sections at a time, beginning with the face. Dip a washcloth into the warm water, lifting only the part of the towel where you are washing.
- Be careful to avoid the umbilical cord area.
Once the umbilical stump (or penis) has healed, you can begin giving your newborn a proper bath in a baby bathtub, sink, or the tub with you.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Baby?
When it comes to bathing your bundle of joy, less can sometimes be more. Newborns aren’t exactly doing much to get dirty, so a bath two to three times a week is usually enough. Their delicate skin doesn’t need daily washing, and too much bathing can actually dry it out. Between baths, you can keep them fresh with gentle wipe-downs using a soft cloth and warm water.
As your baby grows and gets more active (and messier), you might need to bump up the frequency. A bath every other day is a good guideline for older babies and toddlers, though some parents make it part of the nightly bedtime routine. Follow your baby’s lead and adjust as needed—some babies love their baths and enjoy the daily splash time!
What If Your Baby Has Eczema?
Contrary to what you might assume, if your baby has eczema, they can benefit from more frequent bathing. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) and the National Eczema Association recommend daily baths for babies and children with eczema. But for your kiddo to get a bath’s full therapeutic benefit, you’ll want to follow these steps:
- Limit bathtime to about 5-10 minutes.
- Use lukewarm water—hot water can cause eczema flare-ups.
- Opt for a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, not soap.
- Use cleanser sparingly and only on spots that need it, like the diaper area, hands, and feet.
- Avoid washing any areas with eczema, and don’t rub or scrub.
- Don’t use bubble bath or bath oils.
Once your little one finishes soaking, gently pat their skin dry with a soft towel (again, don’t rub!). Then, quickly apply a generous amount of a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer or balm to lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier for the skin.`
What Temperature Should the Water Be?
The ideal bath water temperature for your baby is around 98.6°—warm enough to be comfortable without being too hot. Always test the temperature before putting your little one in the water. (If you’d like a little more precision than the wrist test, the Stokke Flexi has a heat-sensitive plug that changes colors if the water gets too hot.)
Remember to keep the room warm and draft-free during the bath (newborns lose heat quickly) and have your bath supplies within reach.
What’s the Best Baby Bathtub?
There’s really no “best” baby bathtub—but some will probably work better for your family than others. There are two types of baby bathtubs: Sink inserts and standalone tubs.
- Sink inserts are just padded or foam inserts that lay in your sink, creating a cushy spot to wash your infant.
- Sink inserts have a shorter lifespan and are typically outgrown once your baby is 4-6 months old.
- They’re flexible and can be molded to fit most sink basins, whether in the kitchen or bathroom (measure your sink first to make sure the tub you’re eyeing will fit).
- Sink inserts allow you to bathe your baby while standing, which is a great option for moms who have had a c-section, grandparents, or caregivers with back or knee issues.
- Most sink inserts are space-saving and can be hung on the back of a door.
Standalone bathtubs are basins that can be used in the tub (or on the countertop if your back needs a break).
- Most basin bathtubs have options (like a bum bump or infant insert) for bathing your newborn.
- Some collapse or fold flat for storage.
- Depending on the tub, standalone basins can be used in sinks, in tubs, or on countertops and tables.
- Most can be used until your baby’s second birthday, and some even longer.
- Once a standalone tub is outgrown—or even before!—they can be used as sensory bins or outdoors for water play.
Both standalone tubs and sink inserts are great options for bathing your baby. Unsure which sounds like the right one for you? Take a moment to think about how you’ll use it: Do you have the storage space for a basin tub? Will you be bathing your baby with a sibling? How long would you like to use the tub before graduating to the “grown-up” bathtub? Considering your lifestyle and answering these questions can help you figure out the right choice for your family.
What Bath Accessories Do You Need?
Once you’ve settled on your tub, you’ll need to pick up a few other bathtime essentials (and make sure they’re within reach of your bathtub):
- Towels and Washcloths: Choose soft, natural materials that won’t irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Hooded towels are great for keeping your baby warm after the bath, and having a few washcloths on hand can help with washing and rinsing. Pro tip: Baby-sized towels and washcloths aren’t just a gimmick—they really do make bathtime more convenient, especially with infants.
- Gentle Baby Wash and Shampoo: Look for products specifically formulated for babies—gentle, tear-free, fragrance-free, and free of harsh chemicals. They’ll keep your baby’s skin and hair clean without causing irritation.
- Rinse Cup: A specially designed rinse cup with a soft edge can help you rinse your little one without getting water in their eyes.
- Non-slip Bath Mat: If you’re using a regular bathtub, a non-slip mat can provide extra safety by preventing slips and slides. Wet babies are slippery!
- Bath Toys: As your kiddo grows, bath toys can make bathtime more fun (for both of you). Simple toys like rubber ducks, stacking cups, and squirty toys are easy for little hands to grasp. (Bonus: They’re inexpensive, too.)
What Kind of Shampoo and Baby Wash Should You Use?
When picking out body wash and shampoo for your baby, it’s important to choose gentle and safe products for their sensitive skin. Look for fragrance-free options that don’t contain harsh chemicals to avoid irritation. It’s also a good idea to select hypoallergenic products to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, especially for babies with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Make sure to choose tear-free formulas to prevent discomfort if the shampoo accidentally splashes in their eyes. Also, steer clear of harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates—they can dry out or irritate delicate skin. Instead, opt for natural, soothing ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile to nourish and protect your baby’s skin during bathtime.
Our favorite brands—Earth Mama, Zoey Naturals, and EllaOla— are known for their gentle, baby-friendly formulas. (Plus, their lines include Mom-centric pregnancy and postpartum products we love.)
Are Bubble Baths Safe for Babies?
A baby with a bubble beard is pretty stinking cute, but on the whole, experts advise against bubble baths (especially for toddlers under 3). Bubble baths can irritate your baby’s delicate skin and increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
How Can You Safely Clean Your Baby’s Ears?
Safely cleaning your baby’s ears is simple and doesn’t require much effort (rejoice in every moment of low-effort parenting!). Use a soft washcloth dampened with warm water to gently wipe around the outer part of their ears during bath time. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal—it can cause damage or push wax further inside. If you notice a buildup of earwax, it’s best to let it work its way out naturally, or consult your pediatrician if you’re concerned. After cleaning, gently dry the ears with a soft towel to prevent moisture from lingering. Keeping the outer ears clean and dry is all you need to do to maintain your baby’s ear hygiene.
What Should You Do If Your Baby Has Sensitive Skin?
If your baby has sensitive skin, bathtime requires extra care to avoid irritation and keep their skin healthy. Keep bathtime brief (under 10 minutes)—long baths can strip your little one’s skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Use lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic cleansers. Spot parabens, sulfates, or phthalates on the ingredient list? Save those toiletries for kids with less persnickety skin.
You can also try using colloidal oatmeal (it’s seriously soothing!). You can find baby bath products that include colloidal oatmeal or simply add an oatmeal bath packet to the water to help calm irritated skin.
After tub time, gently pat your baby’s skin dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, which can irritate damp, sensitive skin. Be mindful of any laundry detergents or fabric softeners used on your baby’s towels and clothes—hypoallergenic options are best. Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer or cream right after the bath while your baby’s skin is still slightly damp. A quick application helps lock in moisture and protect their skin barrier.
What If Your Baby Hates Bathtime?
If your baby seems to hate bathtime, you’re definitely not alone. Babies crying through bathtime is a common challenge and seriously stressful for parents. Here are a few ideas for dialing down your little one’s bathtime anxiety:
- Make sure your bathroom is warm and cozy. A cold room can make bathtime unpleasant for tiny bathers, so try to keep the temperature comfortable. Shutting doors to keep in heat and closing vents will help keep the room from getting chilly.
- The bath water should be warm, not hot or cold. In our experience, most parents are very aware of the water getting too hot and less aware of water being too cold. Newborns and infants lose heat quickly, so make sure your water feels warm on your wrist.
- Narrate bathtime, sing nursery rhymes, or tell a favorite story to provide reassurance and, more importantly, distraction.
- To keep your baby warm and cozy, place a warm, wet washcloth over their chest or tummy while you wash their arms and legs.
- Establish a consistent routine. Doing the same steps in the same order each time can help your baby know what to expect and feel more at ease.
What Can You Do About Toddler Bathtime Tantrums?
Toddlers: So cute, so hilarious, so opinionated. We know firsthand that previous water babies can morph into toddlers with a sudden (and intense) hatred of baths. Here are a few strategies to help manage angry toddlers during bathtime, but remember—toddlers are going to toddler. Sometimes, the only thing to do is grin and bear it (and cut yourself some slack).
- Again, we reiterate the importance of establishing a predictable bathtime routine. Knowing what to expect can (sometimes) help alleviate anxiety and reduce resistance.
- Now’s the time to introduce fun and engaging bath toys. Foam cutouts that stick to the wall, fishing poles, floating islands, bath crayons, stacking cups that allow your kiddo to experiment with cause and effect—go to town.
- Keep baths short and sweet, especially if your toddler is upset.
- What do toddlers love (even more than butter noodles)? Choices and inclusion. Let them choose which shampoo they like, which toys to toss in the tub, or “help” start the water. Giving them a sense of control can help you avoid bathtime power struggles.
- Be a cheerleader and praise your kiddo for any positive behavior during bathtime.
What Are the Best Bath Toys for Babies Under Six Months?
Finding the right bath toys for your baby under six months can make bathtime fun and encourage multi-sensory development. At this age, simple and safe toys are best. Here are some of our faves:
- Boon Fleet Stacking Boats Bath Toy
- Matchstick Monkey Bathtime Wobblers
- Sophie la Girafe So’Pure Bath Toy
- Skip Hop Zoo Stack & Pour Buckets
- Hape Happy Buckets Set
What Are the Best Bath Toys for Toddlers?
Bathtime for toddlers is all about fun, exploration, and learning. Here are some top picks for the best bath toys for toddlers:
- Boon WATER BUGS Floating Bath Toys with Net
- Quut Bath Puzzles
- Skip Hop Zoo Narwhal Ring Toss
- Glo Pals Light Up Cube Bath Toys
- Boon PIPES + TUBES + COGS Bath Toy Bundle
What If Your Baby Has a Diaper Rash?
Absolutely! It’s totally okay to give a bath to a baby with diaper rash, and it can actually help them feel better. A warm bath can help soothe irritated skin and keep the diaper area clean, which is essential for healing. Just use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to wash the affected area carefully. Avoid harsh soaps or bubble baths, as these can worsen the irritation. After the bath, gently pat your baby’s skin dry with a soft towel, making sure the diaper area is completely dry before putting on a fresh diaper. You can also apply some diaper rash cream or ointment to protect the skin and help it heal.
When Should You Move from the Baby Bathtub to the Big Bathtub?
Moving from the baby bathtub to the big bathtub is usually a good idea when your baby can sit up steadily on their own, typically around 6 to 9 months old. Signs that your baby is ready include outgrowing the baby tub and showing more curiosity and mobility during bathtime.
To make the transition smoother, start by placing the baby tub inside the big bathtub for a few baths to help them get used to the new space. A non-slip mat in the big tub can also help keep your baby safe and prevent slipping. Keep the water level low and stay within arm’s reach to ensure your baby’s safety. And don’t forget the toys!
When Do Kids Switch from Baths to Showers?
Kids usually start switching from baths to showers around 6 to 7, but remember that every kid is different! You’ll begin to notice they’re ready when they show an interest in taking showers, have good balance, and can take care of their personal hygiene more independently.
To make the transition easier, you can have them join you or an older sibling in the shower to see how it’s done. Make sure the water temperature is comfortable and that the shower area is safe with non-slip mats. Keep the first few showers short and gradually make them longer as your child gets more comfortable.
Just be patient and give lots of encouragement, and before you know it, your child will be showering like a pro.
Finding What’s Right for You
Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents and hope you feel empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or info@albeebaby.com.
