Are you wondering how to bathe a baby in a tub? This post is for you.
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Giving a newborn a bath can seem intimidating at first, but with some planning and experience, it can become a calming ritual you’ll love. A quiet and comforting environment can be created by singing to your infant or speaking to them in a soothing voice. Remember, babies are often startled or cranky when taking a bath. Be composed, reassure them, and exercise patience. You will do great!
We go over the entire process of how to bathe a baby in a tub.
You might also like to read our post about why babies need to be held.
1. How to Bathe a Baby in a Tub: Before a Baby’s First Tub Bath
It is ideal to give your newborn sponge baths for the first few weeks until the umbilical area heals and the umbilical cord stump falls off. You’re ready for some tub time after that!
Grab a baby bathtub; their textured surfaces and curved design prevent infants from slipping. Many families find that a normal bathtub is sufficient, however for smaller areas or babies, a baby bath in the sink may be a better option (like the Blooming Bath Baby Bath Seat or the Skip Hop Soft Sink Baby Bath Tub). Using a baby bath mat (the Upgrade Baby Bath Mat Non Slip Extra Long Bathtub Mat for Kids 40 X 16 Inch one is great because it will be perfect until they play in the tub), make sure the surface is non-slip regardless of your choice.
The baby tub we’ve used is the The First Years Newborn to Toddler Baby Bath Tub – Convertible 3-in-1 Baby Tub with Removable Sling. It works fine with a newborn until toddler years.
Here’s a list of your essentials to bathe a baby:
- Gentle tear-free baby shampoo like the Johnson’s Head-to-Toe Gentle Tear-Free Baby & Newborn Wash & Shampoo (optional for newborns)
- Mild, fragrance-free baby wash
- Two soft washcloths (one for the face and one for the body)
- A hooded baby towel like the HIPHOP PANDA Hooded Towel – Rayon Made from Bamboo.
- Diapers and clean clothes. The Pampers Swaddlers Diapers Newborn are our favorite diapers for newborns.
- Optional: Baby bathtub toys (for older babies). Toddlers love these crayons Tub Works® Smooth™ Bath Crayons Bath Toy to draw on the tub. You can keep the toys organized with a mesh like the Munchkin® Super Scoop™ Hanging Bath Toy Storage with Quick Drying Mesh.
2. How to Bathe a Baby in a Tub: Setting the Stage
Keep the room warm to avoid the baby getting cold. Choose a moment when your baby is peaceful and awake and you won’t feel pressured or rushed; avoid doing this shortly after feeding or while they’re hungry. Take off your baby’s clothes and give them a tight hug with an open towel so you can ease them into the bathtub.
Go for warm, not hot, bathwater. The ideal temperature range, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), is 90–100 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2–37.8 degrees Celsius). To guarantee accuracy, use a bath thermometer like Baby Bath Thermometer & Swimming Turtle Floating Bath Toys. With practice, you can use your elbow or wrist to test the water temperature. It should feel warm but not hot. Use only two to three inches of warm water in the infant bathtub.
All of the supplies should be easily accessible when you place the tub in the sink or bathtub on a towel or bath mat.
3. Bath Time
Since this requires two hands to complete, make sure you have everything you’ll need on hand!
- Undressing and prepping: Gently undress your baby and lay them on a dry towel on a nearby counter or changing table while speaking to them lovingly.
- Entering the water: Gently place your baby’s feet first into the warm water, holding his/her head and neck with one hand and his/her bottom with the other. Throughout the procedure, use soothing language while speaking with them.
- Hair: All that’s needed for infants is a fast rinse of the head with clean water. A tiny quantity of tear-free baby shampoo can be used as your baby’s hair grows; just be careful to lather away from the face and rinse well afterward.
- Body: Gently wipe your baby’s body using one washcloth and a small quantity of baby wash, being careful not to get any in their eyes. You might not even need soap for newborns! Since their skin is sensitive, cleaning with clean water is a priority.
- The adorable folds: Use the washcloth to gently wipe those precious baby folds, being careful to give attention to the neck, armpits, and back of the ears. Always remember to wash your baby’s face with a different, fresh washcloth.
- Grand Finale: After the baby is completely clean, gently rinse any soap residue away with a cup or washcloth. Carefully wrap them in their hooded towel and gently pat dry, taking special care not to damage their sensitive skin.
- How long: Before their skin becomes very pruney, limit their tub time to five to ten minutes.
4. All Clean
When it’s time to get out of the tub, place the towel down first, then carefully take your baby out and wrap them in the towel right away. Dry them completely with a pat. Put on clean clothes, a new diaper, and any lotions or creams. After giving them lots of kisses and hugs, make them comfortable for feeding or napping.
If baby has a rash, remember to apply a a generous amount of a good rash ointment like the Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream for Baby. Always check with your pediatrician in case baby’s skin needs any special attention to make sure you are using the right products on baby’s sensitive’s skin.
5. Make it a Routine
Bathing your active child may take some trial and error to get the hang of, but with more experience, it will become simpler. Adhere to a regular routine and schedule; infants find comfort in structure. Before long, you’ll become proficient at the method and begin to look forward to this peaceful practice. Just bear in mind to move carefully and gently, never leave your kid alone, and have supplies close at hand. Bath time will soon become a treasured time for you two to bond!
Conclusion
This post was all about how to bathe a baby in a tub. It is best to bathe a baby when the baby is calm and awake, keeping one hand on the baby at all times, and cleaning the face and hair first before the body. Limit tub time to 5-10 minutes, patting the baby completely dry afterwards, and make bath time a calming routine and bonding experience. Use warm but not hot water, having all supplies in reach, moving slowly and gently, never leaving the baby unattended, and sticking to a consistent schedule for baths. With some practice, tub baths will become an easy, tranquil ritual to look forward to.
To recap:
- Bathe the baby when the baby is calm and awake
- Keep one hand on the baby at all times for safety
- Clean from head to toe, in this order
- Limit tub time to 5-10 minutes
- Pat the baby completely dry after
- Use warm but not hot water
- Have all supplies within reach
- Move slowly and gently
- Never leave a baby unattended
- Have a consistent schedule for baths
With these pointers, we hope to assist in making your baby’s first tub baths peaceful and secure. What are some of your go-to bath time tips or treasured recollections? Post your thoughts in the comments below! Happy bathing time!
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