During your baby’s first baths, many new parents feel uncertain: What temperature should the water be? Should you use a bathtub or a baby seat? How often should you bathe your little one? In this article, we answer the questions you may already be asking about bathing your baby, and we share our six-step guide to help you approach this experience with confidence.

What is the best time of day to give a bath?

Whether you give your baby a bath in the morning, at noon, or in the evening depends entirely on you and your routine. However, your baby should be awake, in a good mood, and neither hungry nor in the middle of digestion. That’s why the time immediately before or after a meal isn’t ideal for a bath. Choose a time of day when you have enough free time to focus fully on your baby, so you can enjoy bath time in complete tranquility.

Some parents like to incorporate bath time into their child’s bedtime routine. Warm water relaxes many babies, making it easier for them to fall asleep. In any case, pay attention to your baby’s signals, and don’t force a bath if they don’t want one. This moment should feel positive; if you sense your little one isn’t in the mood, simply clean them with a washcloth instead.

How often should you give your baby a bath?

Babies don’t sweat much yet and generally don’t get as dirty as older children. For this reason, giving a bath two or three times a week during the first few weeks is perfectly adequate. If needed, you can also clean your little explorer’s face, hands, and private parts with a damp washcloth.

From around one year of age, and if your little one turns out to be a real little fish, you can increase the frequency of baths. However, baths that are too frequent or too long can dry out your baby’s skin, especially if you live in an area with hard water.

Bathtub or bath lounger? Which accessory to use for the bath?

Baby bathtub or bath seat? The choice is yours. Try what suits you best, but make sure to use an item that’s appropriate for your little one’s age and size. Baby bathtubs have the advantage of saving space and water; they’re especially practical if you only have a shower at home. Because of their fetal position, babies often feel particularly comfortable in them, and a baby bathtub generally offers enough space to explore the water freely, as it supports movement.

You can also use a bath seat. Very practical for the first baths, it allows your baby to lie down while keeping their head out of the water. It’s perfect for little ones who don’t like being immersed. With your baby settled in the seat, you can use both hands to wash your little adventurer, always making sure they are well supported in the bathtub. Unlike a small bathtub, however, the seat limits freedom of movement.

If you want to give your mini even more freedom of movement, the free bath method can be a good option! We tell you more in our article "".

Whatever option you choose, you should never leave your little fish unattended in the water. If you need to interrupt the bath, wrap your baby in a warm towel and take them with you. For the first few times, you can also bathe your toddler together with your partner, so you’ll feel more comfortable and supported.

How to give a bath and wash your baby?

Even if you feel unsure the first few times, you’ll quickly develop your own routine for your baby’s bath. Our six steps can serve as a guide. For the first baths, you may want to do it with your partner, who can lend a hand if needed.

Preparation:

Before starting to bathe your baby, you should:

• Adjustez la température de la pièce : preheat the room where you’ll give the bath; it should be between 22 and 25°C, and you should also avoid drafts.

• Avoid temperature differences : by preheating your child’s towel or bath cape, you can help prevent chills. Babies are very sensitive to temperature changes and can catch a cold quickly.

• Prepare your accessories : keep everything you need within reach during or after the bath: thermometer, cleansing products, a soft washcloth and towel, bed fresh, clean clothes.

• Adjustez la température de la baignoire : start by running cold water, then hot water, to a depth of eight to twelve centimeters. Even if it feels too cool to you, the water temperature should be 37°C. You can easily check this with a bath thermometer; if you don’t have one, dip your elbow into the water—it should feel pleasant. To achieve a uniform temperature, mix the water with your hand. During the first six to eight weeks, plain water is sufficient. Later, you can add a moisturizing additive to the bath water, such as organic sweet almond oil. For a nourishing bath, you can also add a few drops of your breast milk.

• Clean the seat : if necessary, clean your baby’s bottom beforehand to prevent germs from spreading in the water. With the LILLYDOO wipes made of 99% water , it only takes a few seconds.

The proper grip

The best thing to do is ask the maternity nurses how to hold your baby safely during bath time. Support your baby’s bottom and thighs with one hand, and place your other hand under their armpit, neck, and head, which rest on your wrist and forearm. Gently place your baby in the bath, then carefully remove the hand under their bottom; it’s then free and allows you to wash them.

Cleaning

For newborns, it isn’t always necessary to use a cleansing product; a little water is enough. You can clean your baby with a washcloth or simply with your hands. As your baby grows, you can introduce a gentle baby cleanser. Start with the shoulders and work down to the feet. During washing, don’t forget the skin folds and less accessible areas, such as the armpits and behind the ears. To avoid spreading germs to areas where they don’t belong, always finish with the intimate areas.

Babies cool down quickly around the head area, so wash their hair at the end of the bath. A bath of five to ten minutes is sufficient at first; otherwise, your baby’s skin could dry out. If your little one loves splashing, you can increase the duration by five minutes as they get older—generally, five minutes per month of age. When the water cools down, it’s time to take your baby out of the bath.

The water outlet

Your baby’s skin can be slippery, especially if you’ve added a few drops of oil to the bathwater. Hold your little adventurer securely when you lift them out of the water.

The drying

Wrap your little one in a dry towel or bath cape and place them on the changing table. Gently pat them dry, avoiding rubbing, as it can irritate their skin. Also, pay attention to the small folds of the neck, under the armpits, and between the fingers to help prevent skin inflammation.

Optional care

You can finish the bath ritual by applying a moisturizing treatment if your baby has dry skin. If you added a bit of oil to the bath, simply massage gently to remove any excess from your baby’s skin.

Did you know? Most babies enjoy bathing because warm water reminds them of the environment in the womb. So, bath time isn’t only for cleaning your baby—it can also be a true moment of relaxation! After the first few months, enjoy a bath together with your little adventurer; skin-to-skin contact is also a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between dad and baby. In any case, it’s essential never to take your eyes off your little one!

We wish you and your little fish many happy moments of splashing around.