That first bath is always extra special but at only 3 lbs at birth, Keira’s first bath was given as a bed bath by a nurse. The first bath I gave her was in a tiny tub in the level 3 NICU and I was carefully watched over and guided by a nurse. Fast forward nearly two years and I once again missed Ava‘s first bath because of one leg I couldn’t stand on after her birth. Instead my sister went and gave her that bath and documented it with fabulous pictures.
Of course the first bath in the hospital is a whole different ball game from the first bath at home. No matter how big or small, learning to bathe your new baby can be a little scary even for experienced parents – there’s a lot to juggle and of course you want to keep your little one safe. But as long you’re properly prepared, bath time can be a great bonding experience and a whole lot of fun! Disney Baby has some great tips on how to protect and pamper your little one in the tub, and some adorable products to help you to do it! From towels and toys to cleansers and creams, Disney Baby has you covered.
Tip #1: Start small
Your baby is little, so his bathtub should be too! When you start bathing a baby, it’s easier to do it in the sink, or using a small plastic tub. That way, you won’t have to kneel or lean awkwardly over the side of a big bath while keeping your baby upright. Some baby tubs feature built-in toys, ensuring that bath time is fun for everyone!
Tip #2: Get some tub toys
For older babies, the bath can be a great place to learn and explore. Once your little one has graduated to a big tub, introduce them to some squirt toys, fun floaties or sponges. Toys can keep your baby distracted and happy, helping make bath time a breeze.
Tip #3: Ditch the daily dips
Babies don’t need to bathe everyday – in fact, daily baths can dry out or damage your little one’s skin. It only takes two or three baths a week to ensure that baby stays squeaky-clean, as long as you stay vigilant about keeping face, hands and diaper area clean between washes.
Tip #4: Lock in that moisture
If your baby does have dry skin, rub on a little moisturizing lotion, cream or oil post bath. There are plenty of products out there that both you and your baby can use!
Tip #5: Keep baby warm
Wet babies can become easily chilled, so throughout bath time it’s important to keep your little one warm. Ensure that bath water is around 37 degrees and that the air in the bathroom is comfortably warm as well. After the bath, wrap baby up in a soft, clean towel and give him a little snuggle! A hooded towel keeps baby feeling cozy and looking cute.
What are your favourite tips for bathing a baby?
tammy jeffery says
Taking them in the bath slowly in your arms to give them security and comfort.
Teressa Bignell says
Talk to them as you bath them, remain calm & take it slow.
Marla says
Slowly dip them in
Victoria Ess says
Put them in the water slowly and speak to them to soothe them throughout.
kathy downey says
calming and softly talk to them,And take it slow every washing lower them a bit lower in the water.Be patient
Rachel Cartwright says
Lower them into the water slowly, and speak softly/calmy to them as doing so.
kristen visser says
sing to them or talk in a gentle voice as you bath them and definitely don’t let that deter you from bathing them as often as you like. Sometimes it just takes them time to get used to the bath/water
Susan Hanley says
I lower baby slowly into the water and maintain as much physical contact as possible. Speak soothingly to baby.
Joni W says
Talk to them, slowly put in water. don’t force them to like it. gently persuade them
May says
Introduce the water gradually and slowly.
melissa says
have everything ready and do it quick but be calm
KD says
I don’t have any tips, I’m afraid, as my daughter is a little water baby!
angela m says
I would introduce them slowly giving the sponge baths
Suzie M says
Be calm a little soft music & nice warm water
Judy Cowan says
Slowly introduce them to the water, starting off with sponge baths and gradually adding more water to the tub. Talk to them while you are doing the bath.
Megan Willis says
Introduce them to it slowly and talk to them while doing it, try to keep them calm!
Lynda Cook says
Ear Plugs..lol…put them into the water slowly and keep calm yourself, babies can sense when your stressing also
charityk says
dont use alot of water just a wet cloth to spot wash and do it quick
Dayna Wilson says
Both of my kids love bathtime, so I don’t really have too much advice.. I’d say try to distract them as much as possible with toys.
Darlene Schuller says
Make sure the environment is warm..and get it done quickly.
Lisa Cannavan says
Slowly ease them into it
Silvia D says
keep water low and use a wash cloth.
ivy pluchinsky says
sing songs and put them in the water slowly
Chris Stockford says
Slow and steady
jessica eapen says
go slowly and have everything ready before you start
Marie Constantineau says
Slow and easy, soothing voice and lots of smiles.
Kaycee @ My Crafty Zoo says
We are having our first baby January 30th so I don’t have any tips yet.
Aqdas Ahmed says
Make the bath super quick for babies who don’t like water.
Gillian Morgan says
Ease them into it. Don’t rush
Rebecca Marno says
sing and make it as fun as possible. Make sure they are not tired or hungry or fussy first!
Tari Lawson says
Make sure the water is an appropriate temperature (thermometers are a help as we often tend to like water hotter than babies). If baby really seems distressed, try giving a bath outside of the tub, keeping the baby mostly wrapped an unwrapping only the parts you are cleaning.
Florence C says
Just use small amount of water and use a cloth to wash this with. Be gentle.
Nicky says
sponge bath!
Rosanne Robinson says
hold the baby with one arm while slowly getting them used to the water, talk softly and get the job done quickly until they get more comfortable in the water
Sunshine G says
Lots and lots of bubbles to distract them!
Sharon lalonde says
Slowly add them to the water humming to them.
Raki C says
Cuddle and smile a lot and play some music while gently pouring warm water
lisa bolduc says
do it in bits, wash their hair while ther are out of the body and then wash their body
tammy ta says
Play soothing music while they are in the tub
shea says
who doesn’t love disney
Doris H. says
Take it slow…and always comfort them as you bathe.
Kayla Gilbert says
Do it gradually. Start with a sponge bath and make sure the water is just the right temperature!
mickeyfan says
I found that putting a warm washcloth over the baby’s middle was almost like her being “clothed” so she didn’t hate it so much. I also got it over with as quickly as possible. Luckily, she only hated it for a brief time.
Valerie Taylor Mabrey says
My hint would be to use a sleeping bag and only partially unclothe the baby. That way they feel safe.
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Doreen Lamoureux says
I smiled and made them giggle with tickles to distract them…. next thing they knew , they were in the nice warm water.
Jessica Padilla says
If they hate water make sure the water is warm and go in and out quick. Then soothe them afterwards,
Rick F says
Been way too many years since I’ve done that.
Jennifer P. says
My tip is to distract them with toys, bubbles, singing etc – whatever engages them and takes their mind off the bath itself.
Autumn Reid says
Toys, music, and smelly things sometimes help 🙂
darci says
Soothing music and toys to distract
Sherry K says
Start with just a little bit of water and add a little more every day
Jennifer D says
Have everything ready so it can be over as soon as possible!
Becky Best says
Uncover one body part at a time, wash that with a sponge and then move on to the next part! 🙂
MOHAMMAD ANJUM says
TOYS AND MUSIC
sabrina worrall says
I have no suggestions as both of my preemies are fish and love water!
patty george says
let them splash with their hand first,,, then slowly add a little more and more with then safely on you in the bath,,, comfort in mothers arms
Toby says
If they’re showing a real dislike that day, a sponge bath wouldn’t hurt…
Juliee Fitze says
I have never had a baby that was scared of the bath.
Terri O'Donnell says
Have everything ready and play some music during bathtime. Don’t make it take too long and be sure to talk in a soft voice with your baby.
Shellie Clark says
keep water low, warm and use a wash cloth
Darrah Bailey says
Use a laundry basket for baby to sit in the tub in and make it very shallow
neha gupta says
talking to them distracts them, singing whatever suits
francine says
bathe them with a damp cloth instead of putting threm in the water.
Heather S-H says
Use a receiving blanket to wrap the baby and use less water.
William Stewart says
Sing to the baby.
aarone m says
I would ease them in gently to it.
kim cayford says
make sure you have all neccesary items before you start the process
Jayne Cameron says
I use a warm cloth under baby and slowly lower Baby into the water with the cloth under. I then put the warm water slowly over baby with my hand gently touching baby all the time while bathing.
Karine says
Nice and easy does it 🙂
CYNTHIA MATHESON says
Try taking them in the bath with you, orif that is not an option use a small amount of water in the baby tub
Angela Mitchell says
You may have to get into the bath with them and hold them tight:)
Kristi Renout says
Try a different water temperature. My son hated baths when he was a baby, but it turns out he didnt like warm water, he liked it rather cool, so once I had a slightly cooler bath water, he was fine!
Lucy says
dip them into the water slowly
bn100 says
do it slowly
Carole Dube says
Just use a small amount of warm water and gently talk to them.
krystyl olson says
it really depends on the age, at 3, if my DD hated water, I’d make it fun! put a bin of water in the bath and let her sit naked (and dry) and shplash in the water (like a water table) I’d wash her that way — sneak in some scrubbing while shes busy playing
Tanis says
Make it quick!
Debbie F says
Just do a sponge bath until they get use to bathing.
Amy F says
I sing/him to try and soothe her.
Janet M says
Being very calm and soothe as you bathe.
Doris Calvert says
With my niece I used a small pool at first and made it a happy thing, after a few times it was okay!
Burcu says
Putting some attractive toys in the water
Belinda McNabb says
Keep the water shallow and music always helps to keep things fun
ron says
Get them to have fun splashing
kellypc says
never had that problem.
Kristy Vassell says
Engage them with fun bath toys and songs!
Jenny Major says
get their arms and legs wet first
eleanor says
I usually sing a song about bathtime to distract and calm my baby. I wash arms and legs first, body next and lastly, the head so my baby doesn’t get too cold.
Kristine Ewald says
gentle, hapy faces and sing a song
Karen Drake says
I don’t have a good tip, I have never seen a baby who hated water.
tennille says
sing sweet little songs and use nice warm water
Viv Sluys says
Get in the bath or shower with them and hold them close while they get clean. Rub their back and speak in soothing tones.
Lisa V. says
I think soothing music and a gradual introduction to the water is good.
Erica B. says
Keep them as warm as possible.
Kassie Brown says
Talk to them the whole time you are bathing them.
Lori Walker says
keep the water “baby temperature.”
Rosey says
We kept a hoodie towel on our little one’s head when bathing him. After we washed his hair we put it back on. It seemed to help. I think he just didn’t like the chill in the air.
Samantha says
Definitely keep the water pressure low and keep it off of them as often as possible.
Brittney House says
I usually distract him with toys and sounds.
susan smoaks says
be gentle and calm and patient.
betty league says
I really don’t have any new tips on babies who don’t like bath water. I guess I was lucky – it was hard to get mine out of the bath. Just be gentle and make it fun time with music or toys. thank you
Donna M Byrd says
Slow and easy when u put them in the warm water and give them time to adjust before you start the clean up 🙂
Sarah Jestings says
Make sure the water is pleasantly warm but not hot and use a very soft wash cloth.
Kari W says
Make sure the water is luke warm and sing softly to them.
Elva Roberts says
I talked softly to my babies all during their bath. After a while, the little one would babble back to me and laugh. It is a wonderful time to completely relax and bond. I loved all your tips.