Learning to bath your baby for the first time can be one of the most daunting and worrying times for a new parent. This step-by-step guide explains how to bath your baby using the Shnuggle Baby Bath, including how much water to use, the correct temperature, and how to keep your baby safe and calm during bath time.
If you’re a new parent and want to learn how to bath your baby, keep reading.
Baby Bath Best Practices for Newborns
Before you begin, its important to cover the basics of newborn bath safety.
Baby bath rule number one: No matter how much water is in the bath, never leave your baby unsupervised, even for a moment.
Prepare everything you need in advance - towel, clean nappy, clothes, wash cloth, thermometer and any other items - so you can stay focused on your baby and make bath time a calm, enjoyable experience for your both.
How often should you bath a Newborn?
Healthy babies are born with a natural waxy called vernix caseosa. This helps to moisturise their skin and regulate body temperature, which means newborns don't need to be bathed every day.
Until their umbilical cord has fallen off and healed (usually within the first couple of weeks), you can gently clean them using warm water and a soft sponge or cloth. Focus on skin folds, under the neck, behind the ears and around the nappy area.
Once their navel area has healed, then you can start bathing your baby once or twice a week. As babies grow, start crawling and begin eating solid foods, they may need bathing more frequently - around every 1 - 2 days - with hands free and neck wiped clean in between.
How to use the Shnuggle Baby Bath Safely
The Shnuggle Baby Bath is designed to make bath time safer and more comfortable, especially for newborns and young babies.
Its clever upright design supports your baby in a seated position, helping to prevent slipping and sliding. This makes it easier for parents to wash their baby confidently while keeping them secure and comfortable.
The Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub is suitable from birth up to around 12 months, after which babies move on to the Shnuggle Toddler bath.
The Shnuggle baby bath is a great option for new mums and dads as it provides a comfy and cosy bath time for babies and helps to build confidence while you learn how to handle your newborn at bath time.
How much water to use in the Shnuggle Baby Bath
Thanks to its compact size, the Shnuggle Baby Bath helps keep water warmer for longer. We recommend using a minimum of 2 litres of water when bathing your baby in the Shnuggle Baby Bath. The built in plug also makes it quick and easy to empty or refresh the water if needed.
What Temperature should a Baby Bath Be?
The ideal water temperature for a baby bath is 37°C, which is close to body temperature.
Using a baby bath thermometer helps remove the guesswork and ensures the water stays at a safe, comfortable temperature throughout bath time.
Keeping Your Baby Calm During Bath Time in the Shnuggle Baby Bath
Every baby is different. Some love bath time straight away, while others may find it overwhelming at first. A new experience can be a shock to their system, so its important to create a calm, reassuring environment.
To help keep your baby relaxed during bath time, you can try:
- Using a calm, soothing tone of voice
- Bathing your baby when they are relaxed (avoid times when they're overtired or just after a feed)
- Gently pouring water using a cup or jug like the Shnuggle Washy Rinsing Jug
- Singing lullabies or talking softly
- Using skin-to-skin contact where possible
- Gently massaging their scalp with a soft baby brush like the Shnuggle Baby Bath Brush
- Ensuring that the water temperature is correct with a thermometer
After Bath Care for Your Baby
Once bath time is over, gently pat your baby dry rather than rubbing their skin. Wrap them in a warm hooded towel to keep them cosy from head to toe.
This is also a great time to apply a gentle, organic baby moisturiser to help lock in moisture and prevent dry skin.
Making Bath Time Interactive & Relaxing For Your Baby
Bath time isn't just about getting clean - it also support your baby's sensory and cognitive development. Adding a few simple bath accessories can make the experience more engaging and enjoyable. For example:
The Shnuggle Washy Rinsing Jug
Offering a gentle, controlled pour, its soft rim rests against baby's forehead, ensuring water flows away from sensitive eyes and ears. Can also be used to interact and engage baby by pouring water in a waterfall effect.
Shnuggle Stick 'n' Play Sensory Star Toy
With 3 sensory stars for lots of tactile play, encouraging hand-eye coordination and helping to develop fine motor skills. Made from food grade silicone, Stick ‘n’ Play can also be used as a teether with the soft, textured surface of the stars ideal for relieving teething discomfort.
Each ocean Buddy has its own unique interactive feature to encourage imaginative play and develop your baby's fine motor skills.
Have Fun During & After Bath Time!
The Shnuggle Baby Bath and its thoughtfully designed bath time accessories makes bath time less stressful for parents and more enjoyable for babies. Its no surprise it has picked up numerous awards including Gold at the 2025 Junior Design Awards and the Made For Mums Toilet and Bath Awards 2025, or why it’s at the top of most parent’s newborn essentials checklist.
With the right setup and a little confidence, bath time can become a calming, bonding moment your both look forward to.
Shnuggle Baby Bath FAQs
Can you use the Shnuggle Baby Bath from birth?
Yes, the Shnuggle Baby Bath is suitable from birth and supports even very small newborns with its unique bum bump.
How often should you bath a newborn?
Once or twice a week is enough in the early weeks, with gentle top-and-tail cleaning in between.
How much water do you put in a Shnuggle Baby Bath?
A minimum of 2litres of water is all you need
What temperature should the water be for a baby bath?
The ideal temperature is 37°C
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