Baby Bath Time - Step by Step

Bathing your little one for the first time? Surely that can’t be an easy task given that your baby is just so tiny and slippery and your hands are shaking from all the fear. Baby bath, especially the first one can feel a little daunting but with the right tips at hands and a little practice, it goes easier.

How often should I bathe my baby?

Ideally, you should bathe your newborn baby 2-3 times a week. However, if your baby is fond of bathing then you can do baby bath time once a day. Bathing your little one too often can make their skin dry and is not recommended.

In between the baby bath days, you can clean your baby’s face, neck, armpits and genitals with warm water and cotton cloth. You should also clean your baby’s bottom with baby wipes after every diaper change.

When and where to bathe your baby?

You can bathe your baby any time of the day when you both are relaxed and unlikely to be interrupted. Make sure not to bathe your baby right after meals or when they are hungry. You can also make baby bath a nighttime ritual as it may help calm your baby and make it easier for them to fall asleep.

You can bathe your baby in a bathtub or a sink. You should fill about 2 inches of water in the tub and gather the supplies you’ll need like baby wash, shampoo and a clean towel. Make sure to never leave your baby alone in the water and always keep one hand on your little one.

How to bathe a baby step by step?

Here is a baby bath procedure step by step for you to follow:

1. Fill the bathtub with 2-3 inches of lukewarm water.

2. Undress the baby and wrap them loosely in a towel.

3. Dip the baby, feet first, in the water. Do it slowly to avoid shocking them.

4. Now remove the baby towel only from the parts that you want to clean. This will ensure that the baby does not get cold.

5. Start with the face. First, clean the eyes, inside from outside. Now wipe the forehead, cheeks, and behind the ears. Next, clean the neck area paying special attention to skin folds.

6. Clean the hands and legs and between the fingers and toes.

7. Exposing only small parts of the torso area, clean under the arms, chest, stomach and back.

8. Use little soap to clean the genital area, especially the bum.

9. Wash the head in the end.

10. Wrap the baby in the dry towel or wrapper and pat them dry gently. At this stage, use the baby towel to dry the baby quickly, ensuring that they do not catch a cold.

Things to keep in mind and on hand before baby bath

You can follow this checklist to ensure you get the baby bath right:

• Ensure that the umbilical stump has fallen off.
• Check that the temperature of the room where you are bathing the baby is warm.
• Collect everything you need for the bath beforehand to have a seamless experience.

The things that you would need are:

1. Baby bathtub

Pick an age-appropriate baby bathtub for your little one. Make sure it is made from safe materials and has smooth edges and anti-slip properties like the Mylo Essentials Bathtub. It should be lightweight so it’s easy to carry and clean for you. Check that the drain plug works well and the space is enough for your baby.

2. Baby body wash and shampoo

Select a head-to-toe variant to reduce the number of things to handle while bathing the baby. Ensure that the body wash has natural ingredients that are gentle for the baby. Try the Mylo Baby Body Wash & Shampoo. It is a soap and tear-free formula specially made for babies by blending 9 herbs, essential oils and flowers, proven to be safe for babies.

3. Baby towels or wrappers

Look for towels made from premium natural fabrics that are super-soft. The towels should be lightweight yet fluffy and non-toxic. They should be absorbent and the right size for your baby. Using too large a towel will make handling the baby difficult.

4. Baby lotion

Once you have pat dry your baby with a soft towel, it's essential to immediately moisturize their skin with a gentle baby lotion. After the bath, baby's skin can be a little dry and a lotion can help shoo away that dryness and lock in the moisture, keeping your baby's skin soft and supple.

When you should start bathing your baby?

You should bathe your baby only after 24 hours since the birth have passed. Once you bring your little one home, you can give them another bath in the first week. 2-3 baths a week are ideal for a newborn baby. Excessive bathing can dry out your baby's skin.

Is it better to bathe my baby in the morning or at night?

You can bathe your baby anytime whether it’s morning or night. If your baby is more alert and cheerier in the morning, you can give them a bath in the morning. Some parents also make baby bath a nighttime ritual as it helps calm the baby and ensure better, longer sleep. Just remember, not to bathe your baby right after a feeding or when they are hungry.

What about water temperature?

You should bathe your baby with warm water, neither too hot nor too cold. You should always check the water temperature either by dipping your elbow in it or by using a thermometer. Make sure the room is warm too as wet babies can easily catch a cold.

Good luck, we hope you have a great baby bath!