If you’re a new mom, it can be intimidating bathing baby for the first time. After having five kids, I’ve given lots of baby baths, so I wanted to share some of the tips I’ve learned through the years on how to bathe a baby.
My youngest is five months old, and bath time is one of my favorite times with her. She was a bit unsure of her baby bath the first few times, but now she loves her bath time!
Tips for How to Bathe a Baby
Gather everything you’ll need BEFORE you start the baby bath.
This includes the baby soap, lotion, a wash cloth, a towel, a fresh diaper, and clean clothes. Once you start your baby’s bath, you don’t want to have to get up again to grab something. Have everything set out and ready to go before you even start the water or bring in the baby.
Make sure the baby bath temperature is correct.
Babies like warm water, but not quite as warm as we like it. Test the baby’s bath water temperature on your wrist or with your elbow to make sure it’s not too hot, but just warm.
Bath water that is around 100 degrees is just the right baby bath temperature for your child.
If your baby still has his or her umbilical cord, they will have a sponge bath instead with a small washcloth. Do not get the cord wet until it falls out on its own.
Never EVER leave baby alone in the baby bath.
When giving your baby a bath, you want to remove as many distractions as possible so you can focus on your baby.
If the front doorbell rings, ignore it. If someone calls your cell phone or you get a text, ignore it.
An essential tip for how to bathe a baby is to never ever leave your baby alone in the baby bath, not even for a second!
It only takes a few seconds and a small amount of water for a baby to drown, so be sure to never leave your baby unattended while giving her a baby bath.
Keep one hand on baby at all times
Wet babies are slippery and wiggly and can slide in a baby bath very easily. Be sure to keep one hand on baby at all times during baby baths so she does not slip.
Be sure to use the right soap for baby baths
Your baby’s skin is sensitive and can dry out easily. You want to make sure you use baby bath products that are made just for babies and their sensitive skin.
What are your favorite tips for how to bathe a baby? I’d love to hear!
Esther says
Such a cutie! Will have to pass this along to my sister in law.
Laura says
Thanks so much Esther! My little girlie sure loves her bath time!