Bath time is one of the most special bonding experiences between a parent and their newborn baby. As a new experience for both of you, it's important that you and your baby feel safe, calm and secure during bath time.
Whether you're bathing your baby for the very first time or looking to build confidence, this guide will help you bath your baby with ease and reassurance, following simple baby bath safety practices.
Never leave baby unattended during bath time
You should never leave your baby unattended when bathing them - not even for a moment.
Your baby should always be supervised by a responsible adult, not a younger sibling or child. While baby baths and bath supports can provide extra stability, they are not a substitute for hands-on supervision.
To avoid needing to step away:
Prepare everything in advance
Have your baby's towel, clean nappy and clothes within arm's reach
Keep all bath products nearby before you begin
If you are recovering from a caesarean section
using a bath stand designed for baby baths such as the Shnuggle Baby Bath Stand can help reduce bending and lifting. Always ensure the safety 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 the baby bath 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.
Using the correct water level:
- Helps keep your baby comfortable
- Prevents unnecessary heat loss
- Supports safe positioning during bathing
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.
Keep the room and water temperature right
Both room temperature and water temperature play an important role in keeping your baby comfortable during bath time.
Ideal Room Temperature for baby Bathing
Babies can lose heat quickly when undressed. Aim for a room temperature of 16-20 degrees while preparing and bathing your baby.
Ideal Water Temperature for a Baby Bath
- Fill the bath with cold water first, then add warm water
- The water should feel warm, never hot
- The ideal baby bath water temperature is 37 degrees similar to body temperature
You can test the water using your elbow or use a bath thermometer to maintain a consistent, safe temperature throughout bath time.
Support your baby during bath time
When bathing a newborn- and often until around 6 months of age - your baby will need physical 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.
- Use your non-dominant hand to support your baby's head and neck.
- Use your free 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.
Babies are naturally wriggly, so steady support helps keep them secure and relaxed.
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! To help soothe your baby:
- Speak in a calm, reassuring voice
- Narrate what you're doing using simple words like wash, splash and pour
- Gently pour water over their body using a jug or cup
You may also want to try swaddle bathing if your baby is struggling with bath time or was born premature.
Keep Baby Bath time 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 bath time or if it soothes them, you can do this more frequently.
At this stage:
- Warm water alone is sufficient
- Avoid using unnecessary products on delicate newborn skin
- Use a soft cloth, rinsing jug or baby brush for gentle cleaning
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;
