Bathtime is one of the most special bonding experiences a parent and newborn baby can share. A new experience for both of you, it’s important that you and your baby feel safe and secure during bathtime. Follow our guidance to ensure you can bathe your baby with ease and confidence.
Never leave baby unattended
You should never leave your baby unattended when bathing them - not even for a moment. They should always be supervised by an adult and not a younger sibling or family member. Whilst baby baths and bath supports may have features that help your baby to sit up, like our own, this is only with your support and is no substitute for full time supervision during bathtime. Ensuring that you have everything you need to hand during bathtime is essential. Make sure to have baby’s towel, fresh nappy and clothes with you as well as any bath products you intend to use. If you are recovering from a caesarean section, you may wish to try our Shnuggle Bath Stand for use with the Shnuggle Baby Bath ensuring the strap is in place. This can be used up until your baby is 6 months old. When using this bath stand make sure that baby’s items are within arms reach.
Fill to the recommended water level
Naturally, a baby’s bath needs a lot less water than your usual bath. Around 8-10 centimetres of water in a baby bath is recommended. Our award-winning Shnuggle Baby Bath has a water level indicator to let you know how far to fill the bath up. If using our Newborn Bath Support within your bath, use the water level indicator to understand how far you should fill your bath too. Whilst your baby is under your supervision during bathtime, the correct water level for newborns will help keep them comfortable in the water.
Keep the room and water temperature right
Whilst the temperature of your baby’s bath water is incredibly important, so is the temperature of the room. As you change your baby for the bath they can get cold quickly, so keep this in mind. Anywhere between 16-20 degrees is ideal. When it comes to water temperature, first fill the bath up with cold water and then fill with warm water. Your baby’s bath should feel warm and akin to your own body temperature - but never hot. The ideal safe water temperature for your baby is 37°C. Dip your elbow into the bath to check if the level of warmth feels comfortable to you. You can also use a bath thermometer to keep the water at optimum temperature throughout. Our Pebbly helps indicate when the water is at the perfect temperature, and monitors this continually looking out for any dips.
Support your baby
When bathing your newborn the first few times, and indeed even up to 6 months, your baby will need your support. Whilst our Shnuggle Baby Bath features a bum bump that helps prop them up, and our Newborn Bath Support cradles your little one - those wiggly little arms need a helping hand. Using your non-dominant hand, support their head and neck. Use the other hand to wash your baby. If bathing your little one with your partner, they can support their head, neck and even arms whilst you gently bathe them.
Talk to your baby & wash gently
Part of safely bathing your baby is simply keeping them calm. Whilst they’ve spent 9 months in their own personal jacuzzi, bathing is a brand new experience! Supporting your baby and talking gently to them can easily soothe a squirming, wriggly baby. Whilst pouring extra water on them, make sure to use words that help them connect the action - like splash, wash, brush and more. You may also want to try swaddle bathing if your baby is struggling with bathtime or was born premature.
Keep it simple
Newborns don’t need to be bathed as frequently as babies 6 months or older - 2 to 3 times a week is enough. However, if your baby really likes bathtime or if it soothes them, you can do this more frequently. When bathing your newborn simply use warm water - there are no extra products needed at this stage. Use our Washy rinsing jug to gently pour water water over them and our Baby Bath Brush to softly clean their cradle cap or dry skin away.
As your baby continues to grow, so will their confidence and yours in bathtime! From 6 months on you can start to make it an even more enjoyable experience with sensory toys such as our Stick n Play and Stack n Sail boats that can be easily and stylishly stored away in our Ellie Bath Caddy.
For more information on bathing your baby or toddler, read our blogs below;
