Baby Bath Essentials and Bathtime Tips

Baby bath time can be one of the most magical experiences for any new parent or caregiver. Bathing your youngster isn’t just a great way to bond with them on a deeper level, it can also be a serene and relaxing experience for both you and your little one. 

Of course, as wonderful (and important) as bathing your youngster is, it can be a daunting process too. There are so many things to think about, from ensuring the bathroom temperature is just right, to keeping your child calm and comfortable. 

Fortunately, with the right baby bath essentials on hand, and a solid plan, bath time can quickly become something both you and your child look forward to. 

Here’s everything you need to know to master the magic of bath time. 

The Magic of Baby Bath Time 

Making the most of your baby’s bath time is important for a number of reasons. First, bath time is a great opportunity for you and your baby to bond. 

As you probably already know, warm water is essential for a baby bath because it provides comfort and relaxation. Just like adults, babies also enjoy the soothing effects of warm water on their delicate skin. In addition, the warmth helps to calm babies which ultimately makes bathing more pleasant and enjoyable. A relaxed baby is more likely to cooperate during bath time, making it easier for parents or caregivers to clean and care for the baby.

Bathing your little one regularly is also an important way to care for their sensitive skin. Baby skin is extremely soft and delicate. Just like dressing your little one in the right baby clothes can help preserve good skin health, the right bathing strategy can make all the difference too. 

Just remember, even though your baby might be exposed to a mess on a regular basis, you don’t necessarily need to bathe them every day. Experts recommend bathing a newborn baby around 3 times a week, to ensure excess baby bath products don’t end up drying out their skin. 

You can bathe them before dressing them in the latest fashion for an event or play date, or you could make bath time part of your nighttime routine, to help your youngster relax before bed. 

Creating a Safe Bath Environment for Your Child

When it comes to preparing for baby bath time, the most important thing is making sure your little one is comfortable and safe. This means not only being prepared with soft blankets and clothing to wrap your child in after they bathe, but also getting the environment just right. (Additional linens needed may include baby washcloths, a bath mat, and a separate wash cloth for your baby's face.)

Start by checking the temperature of the room. A bath’s body temperature can drop very quickly after they get out of a bath, so it’s important to make sure the room is warm, even if you have a super-absorbent baby towel ready to go. You can always use a small space heater to warm up the room if you’re concerned it might be a little cold. 

Next, make sure you have the right baby bathtub or bath seat available. You can ask for a baby bath on your baby registry, or buy a relatively affordable one yourself online. These items are crucial, as they allow you to ensure your baby isn’t too deeply submerged in the water. 

Make sure to fill the tub with warm water, checking the temperature with a baby thermometer to ensure it’s comfortable. Keep the water levels low, and never take your hands off your baby, even if there’s a mat in place to stop them from sliding down. 

Baby Bath Essentials: Everything You Need

Alongside a warm room and a reliable baby bath, there are a few other “bath essential” products you’re going to need for a wonderful bathing experience. First, ensure you have a comfortable bath towel or hooded towel available to wrap your baby in after you’re done washing them. 

It’s also worth ensuring you have all the clothes you need for your child on-hand, so you don’t have to rush them into a different room before you dress them. Rompers are ideal for quick and easy dressing after a bath. Here are some other essentials and bath accessories worth keeping close-by:

• A gentle cleanser: Depending on the age of your baby, you might want to use a mild soap or gentle cleanser to rinse away any dirt and grime. Make sure you check the label for age ratings, and follow any instructions given by your doctor. Some of the best baby-safe bath products are natural, organic, and hypoallergenic, ideal for sensitive skin. (This can include a body wash, shampoo, baby lotion, and other made-for-baby-skin products.)
• Bath thermometer: As mentioned above, getting the temperature of your baby’s bath just right is crucial. A baby thermometer should make it easy to check the temperature throughout your bathing routine, to ensure it doesn’t get too cool or hot. 
• Rinsing cup: A rinsing cup makes it easy to rinse suds and soap away from your baby, without having to submerge them too far into the water itself. You can find official cups online, or you can simply use an old (clean) tumbler or jug.
• Wash cloths: While it’s fine to wash your baby with your hands alone, a soft and gentle wash cloth can make scrubbing dirt away much easier. Sweet Bamboo offers a range of beautiful washcloth options, specially designed for sensitive baby skin. 
• Hooded towels: Hooded towels are great for keeping your baby warm and cozy after bath time. Remember, you’ll need to ensure you choose an ultra-soft and comfortable hooded towel. Check out the range of options available from Sweet Bamboo. We offer a range of hypo-allergenic, durable, and silky soft solutions to choose from. 
• Clean diapers and clothing: As mentioned above, having clean clothing and other essentials on-hand can save you a lot of time during the bath time routine. You can keep your long-sleeve sleepwear and diapers folded and ready to go when your baby is nice and dry. 

And don't forget about some age-appropriate toys. A bath toy is a great way to distract your baby - and turns bathtime into something to look forward to.

How to Tackle Common Bath Time Challenges

While many parents and youngsters alike love bath time, there are occasional challenges that might arise for some moms and dads. A bath can be a scary thing for a new baby, particularly if they’re not used to water and soap. That’s why it’s helpful to have some strategies in place to keep everyone calm and relaxed before temper tantrums begin. 

If your little one is nervous around water, you might want to consider sitting them in the tub with you for a while each day, without any water. This will get them used to the experience of bath time slowly. You could also consider placing your child into the tub while they’re still wearing some of their clothing, as this will help them to feel less vulnerable. 

When they start to settle in the tub, you can gradually remove any footies or waterproof diapers you may have left onto to begin with. Other ways to tackle common bath time challenges include:

• Creating a fun, relaxing atmosphere: Playing a little soft music in the background while you’re bathing your youngster can help to keep them relaxed and entertained. You could even consider singing your little one their favorite nursery rhymes or tunes. 
• Make it a ritual: The more often you expose your child to bath time, the less scary it will feel. If you make bath time part of your regular schedule, your little one will start to see it’s nothing to be frightened of. They may even start to look forward to the experience. 

Create an experience that is as simple and straightforward as possible for the both of you. You can do this by making sure the bath is prepared in advance, having clothing on-hand, and other preparations in place. This can be particularly useful if you’re caring for multiple children, a chaotic household, or a particularly hectic schedule. 

Make the Most of Baby Bath Time

Baby bath time can be a wonderful bonding experience. 

With the tips above, and the right baby bath time essentials on hand, you’ll have everything you need to make the most out of this wonderful routine. 

Remember, you can also take your baby’s bath experience to the next level, with ultra-soft clothing and accessories specially designed for sensitive skin. 

Check out the complete Sweet Bamboo bath time collection for all of the must-have towels, clothing, and extras you might need.