In the first days at home after birth, the baby's bath time can be a somewhat stressful moment for new parents (due to the novelty of the activity and the usual insecurities of new motherhood and fatherhood). However, we assure you that very soon bathing your little adventurer will become one of the your favorite moments of your weekly routines . To help make this happen, in this article we offer you a series of basic tips and answer some common questions about the baby's bath time.

When is the best time to bathe a baby?

In Spain, it is common for baby bath routines to be scheduled for late in the afternoon because there is a belief that the bath is a kind of relaxant that makes it easier to fall asleep . Considering that a baby spends most of their time sleeping, this argument is not really valid during the first weeks and months of your little adventurer's life. Therefore, our recommendation is to bathe your newborn at the time that best fits your daily routine. In any case, it is advisable to keep a few things in mind. For example, avoid bathing immediately after feeding or right before a feed (so your little one isn't digesting or hungry), and, whenever possible, choose a time when your baby is awake and in a good mood. This is essential for the bath experience to be enjoyable and pleasant for everyone.

How often should a baby be bathed?

Another aspect that often raises questions for new families is how often to bathe a baby. Unlike older children, babies don't get very dirty, so it's not necessary to bathe your little adventurer more than two or three times a week. On the other days, to maintain hygiene, it is enough to clean your little one with wet wipes or a slightly damp, soft sponge.

What is the best place to bathe a baby?

The space in your home will largely determine where you bathe your baby. If you have a spacious home, you can use a special baby bathtub during their first few months of life. This type of bathtub allows you to bathe your little adventurer standing up and at a comfortable height for your back, which also makes your movements easier. There are baby bathtubs with changing tables, foldable bathtubs, and even plastic buckets that can later be fitted onto foldable metal legs. All of them offer similar features when it comes to bathing your baby, so choose the option that best suits your circumstances.

If you don't have space for a baby bathtub, another very practical alternative is a baby bath seat or hammock. These accessories are ideal for use in the home bathtub, as they allow you to keep your little adventurer secure and in a comfortable position, although it is true that they offer less freedom of movement for both the baby and the parents during bath time.

What to keep in mind for the baby's first bath?

To make your baby's bath time a pleasant and enjoyable experience, here are some tips that may help you:

• The importance of temperature: The temperature of the room where you will bathe your baby and the water temperature are two essential aspects to consider. First, the room temperature should be between 22º and 25º, with windows and doors closed to prevent drafts. Regarding the water temperature, it is recommended to keep it between 37º and 38º, in line with normal body temperature. You can use a water thermometer to ensure the exact temperature. With practice, touching the water with your elbow will be enough to know if it is at the correct temperature.

• Keep everything you need at hand: Just as you need to have everything you need on hand during each diaper change, during bath time it is essential that the sponge, soap, and towel are within your reach because under no circumstances can you leave your little explorer alone in the water. From three or four months onwards, you can add waterproof rubber toys to entertain them during the bath.

• Baby grip: Before you start, make sure you have a secure hold on your baby. Keep one hand supporting their head and neck, and use your other hand to wash them. Never leave your little explorer alone in the water, even for a moment.

• The washing: If your little adventurer has pooped before the bath, it is important to clean them with wet wipes before putting them in the bathtub to prevent the spread of germs through the water. Once in the water, simply gently wash them with a soft sponge, to which you can add a little soap that is gentle on the baby's skin. During the wash, which for newborns should not last longer than ten minutes, it is important to focus on the skin folds (especially in the case of chubbier babies!) and less accessible areas such as the armpits or the back of the ears.

• The drying: The baby's bath ends outside the water with drying. It is essential to have the towel on hand and cover your little one with it immediately after taking them out, to prevent them from getting cold. Once on the changing table (if it is in a different room, that room should also be maintained at a temperature between 22º and 25º), gently dry your little explorer, paying special attention to the folds and the diaper area to avoid irritation and the appearance of fungi. If your baby enjoys it, before dressing them, you can also give them a massage with a moisturizing cream or our almond oil. They'll be wonderfully relaxed!

As a general rule, babies love bath time, but if your little adventurer doesn't, don't force it—give them time. Remember that babies hardly get dirty, and there's no need to make them have a bad experience.