How To Make Baby Bath Time Go With A Splash

Many babies love bath time, and many parents give their babies a warm bath all over once a day. If you prefer not to give your baby a complete bath every day, it is still important to clean his face and nappy area regularly. For babies that don’t enjoy bath time at first, you can try topping and tailing for a few weeks.

Most babies however find warm water quite soothing. Baby bath time can take practice and confidence, but it soon becomes easy to get into a routine which makes the experience pleasant for both baby and parent. Before bedtime is usually a popular time for bathing, especially as it can help to lull your baby and get him in the mood for sleeping.

Remember that tap water can dry out your baby’s skin, especially in a hard water area. Use soaps that are gentle, pH neutral, hypoallergenic and free of preservatives to protect fragile skin, while lotions can be used to soothe all over or particular areas of hardness and flaking. Baby lotions should not make your baby’s skin greasy. Instead they are emollient, leaving skin soft, protected and pleasant smelling. Baby lotions contain ingredients to hold and attract water, fatty acids to condition the skin and antimicrobial ingredients.


Other items you may need to bathe your baby include a sponge or flannel, cotton wool and a thermometer for testing water temperature. It is often easier to wash your baby’s face before the rest of him while he is out of the bath, and you can do this simply with fresh pieces of cotton wool soaked in warm water. For new-borns, the water should be boiled first and cooled.

Bath water should be about body temperature or 37 degrees, and remember not to fill the water too high – about 12 cm is fine for young babies. Gradually put him into the bath, supporting his neck and head. Never leave your baby unattended in the bath. Use the sponge or flannel to gently clean him.


Once you have bathed your baby, you may need a clean towel, warm blanket, and clean nappy and clothes. Baby bath towels come in a range of styles, from conventional towels to hooded towels or those with other features. Hooded towels are a lovely way to keep your baby snug including his shoulders, neck and head. They can be comforting to babies who don’t enjoy bath time, making them feel safe and secure. Poncho towels are another nice idea for toddlers, with loose fitting arms and hoods. Wrap your baby up in his towel and pat him dry, remembering to smooth on some mild lotion if you like, before dressing him and wrapping him in a warm blanket.