Mom, Dad, it’s time to give your baby a bath! Whether it’s the first (of many) or you’re already used to it, only in movies do you see children laughing and having fun among the bubbles: usually, it’s tears and discomfort.
How can you make it a pleasant occasion for everyone—your child and you, as parents? We have gathered a series of practical tips to make bath time a moment filled only with smiles , eliminating stress and building a deeper connection between you and your baby, beyond the simple act of cleaning.

When to give your newborn a bath?

It is a little-known fact, but there is not much need to wash your newborn. Healthy children are born with a special coating, called vernix caseosa , which is an oily substance that helps regulate temperature while keeping the skin hydrated.

• Until the umbilical cord falls off (usually within the second week of life), you can use a sponge or a cloth, soaked in hot water . Gently clean the folds of the skin, under the chin, and behind the ears.

• After the umbilicus has healed, you can start giving your baby a bath once or twice a week.
  

What type of bath tub should you use?

To prevent slips, it is recommended to use a contoured basin or one with an inner rim to support your baby. When your baby starts crawling (around 6 months), a regular bathtub should be fine, with a very low water level.

Where to put the bath tub tray?

Once you have chosen a suitable tub for your baby, make sure you use it in a safe place. Ideally, place the bath tub at a low level on a stable, sturdy surface, such as on the floor, in the large bathtub, or in the shower. Make sure the tub does not move during bath time and that there is the right amount of water.

How to introduce your child to bath time

Whether you sing lullabies or read aloud their favorite fairy tales, bath time offers wonderful opportunities for bonding between you and your little one, and skin-to-skin contact is essential for your baby’s sensory development.

While some children enjoy splashing in the water, others cannot stand it. Like any new experience, it can be difficult to accept at first.

Introduce your little one to the bath:

• 
  using a reassuring voice;
  

• choosing a moment when your child is relaxed, not when they are tired or immediately after eating;
  

• bathing with them;
  

• using a cup to gently pour water onto the scalp to rinse away shampoo and soap;
  

• checking the right temperature for the water and the room.
  

After the bath, gently dry your baby's skin and wrap them in a hooded towel to keep them warm from head to toe.

Don't worry if your baby cries at first!

Some parents start to blame themselves if the first bath attempts take a long time, or if the baby screams and gets upset. This is normal—you will get better and more confident with time. Don’t worry too much if your baby doesn’t like baths at first: after a few weeks, they will get used to it and may even start enjoying it.

Establish a routine

When you decide to give your baby a bath, try to follow the same routine each time. This helps your child understand what is happening and feel safe. You will also be able to identify the best time for bath time. Some moms prefer to do it in the evening before bedtime, to give their little one a moment of cuddles and relaxation. But not all children are the same: some get excited during bath time, so it may be better to do it in the morning to start the day full of energy!

If your child is a bit older, explain each step so they can understand. As they grow, encourage them to copy your movements.

What is the best temperature for the bath?

The right water temperature should be around 37°C. To check it, use your elbow or wrist. Before putting your baby in the water, stir it with your hand to disperse any hot spots.

What happens if the bathwater is too hot?

Bathwater that is too hot strips the skin of its natural oils, causing it to dry out more quickly than usual. This can contribute to skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and sensitivity.

Because children catch colds easily, the room should be free of drafts and kept warm (around 24°C). During the winter months, consider using an electric heater at a safe distance. Also, placing a warm, damp towel on your child's stomach can help prevent them from getting cold.

What is the best way to hold my baby in the bathtub?

A secure hold will help your baby feel comfortable and safe in the tub. Use your non-dominant arm to support your baby's head and neck, and your other hand to hold and wash their body while it is immersed in the water. If your arm gets sore, you can switch sides.

What to wash first?

Most parents start with the child's face and then move to the dirtier parts of the body. This helps prevent freshly rinsed areas from getting soapy again.

Do I need to wash my child's hair?

If your newborn has hair and you think it needs washing, go ahead. With your free hand, gently massage a drop of mild baby shampoo onto your baby's scalp. Rinse with a cup of water or a damp cloth, placing a hand over your baby's forehead to help keep the foam out of their eyes.

Does the after-bath lotion help prevent rashes?

Most infants do not need lotion after a bath. If your baby’s skin is very dry, apply a small amount of unscented baby moisturizer to the affected areas or use , ideal for , such as treating . Infant massage can also make your baby feel good! After the bath is the perfect time for a massage: your baby is already undressed, and their skin is still damp. When the skin is damp and the pores are still dilated, it is the ideal moment to apply nourishing oil so the skin can absorb all its properties. How should you proceed with the ? Apply oil to your hands and rub them together to warm them up; the warmer your hands are, the more comfortable and pleasant the massage will be for your baby.

Note well: If the dryness persists, it might mean you're bathing your baby too often. .

Which products to use?

Use only water and products designed for infants. You can start using unscented soap after one month of age, but use only a small amount to avoid irritating your baby's skin. Children with longer hair may need a drop of mild shampoo on wet hair.

How to make bath time fun?

Bath time isn’t only about hygiene and cleanliness; it can also become an important moment to teach your child to wash themselves, brush their teeth, and more, as part of a daily ritual. The more independent your child becomes, the more they will be able to help around the house. We have gathered some tips on how to involve your child in daily personal hygiene.

1. Set a good example (from the very first days): The more often your child watches you shower, bathe, or wash your hands, the more likely they are to see daily personal hygiene as something natural.
   

2. Make it a ritual: incorporate personal hygiene into your morning and evening routine so that it becomes natural for your child.
   

3. Create the right environment: if your child is already big enough place a non-slip stool in the bathroom in front of the mirror, with the sink, soap, and toothbrush within reach. Also, a towel at child height encourages your child to wash independently.
   

4. Your baby can also participate in changing their diaper from the very first days, after the bath. The practical LILLYDOO kids training pants are easy to pull up and are perfect for children who already want to help actively.
   

Even though your child needs to learn that cleanliness is important, they should absolutely not develop a kind of “revulsion” toward dirt. On the contrary, they should never limit their desire to discover the world. So, if you’re wondering how such tiny feet get so dirty so quickly, or where the breakfast crumbs behind your child’s ear come from, take a deep breath and let your child explore and have new adventures without worrying about getting dirty. ;) We wish you and your little explorer lots of fun in your daily care routine!

Frequently Asked Questions