Your top 12 newborn bath essentials

When you have a new baby around, you might be unsure of the best way to do certain things. Babies are tiny and fragile, so ensuring they are bathed in the correct way with all the essentials is vital. But, finding the right items can be a challenge, especially if this is your first baby.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Here, we’ll give you all you need to know about newborn bath essentials.

What is needed for a newborn bath?

When you’re preparing for a newborn baby, shopping for bathing supplies is an important step. Newborn babies are sensitive, so you need to buy items that are gentle enough for their delicate skin. Below is a checklist of essential baby bathing items:

Newborn baby bath essentials

1. Mild Soap: A mild baby soap that doesn’t contain harsh ingredients is most suitable for newborn babies. The best thing to do is look for soaps with no alcohol, fragrances or parabens.

2. Bath cloths: Use bath cloths that are soft and hypoallergenic. You can look for cotton baby bath cloths, since cotton is a suitable material for people with sensitive skin.

3. Mild Shampoo: Wash your baby’s hair with a mild shampoo to prevent irritation on their skin and scalp.

4. Baby bathtub/seat: Baby bathtubs and seats make bathing a baby safer and easier. Using a baby bathtub will give your baby support and also prevents your baby from slipping.

5. Towel: When you’re done bathing your baby, you’ll need a towel to dry them up and keep them warm.

6. Lotion: A newborn baby’s skin is still developing, making it prone to dryness and sensitivity. It’s always best to use a product that’s mild and gentle for babies.

When to give a newborn their first bath?

When you have a newborn baby, the nurses will most likely either give your baby their first bath at the hospital, or assist you as you give your baby their first bath.

Your baby’s umbilical cord stump needs to heal properly. So, in the first few days of your baby’s life, you should avoid submerging your newborn in water. You can start by giving them sponge baths until the umbilical stump heals.

Once you and your baby are back home, you can wait a day or two to give your baby a sponge bath. According to a statement by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, newborn babies only need to be bathed around three times a week, as long as you ensure that the diaper area is cleaned properly after each change.

How to give a newborn a sponge bath?

When you’re giving a newborn a bath, you need to be cautious and ensure that all the baby bath essentials are nearby. To give your newborn a sponge bath, follow these tips:

1. Make sure the room temperature is comfortably warm

2. Put all the necessary bath items in one place.

3. Add lukewarm (around 37C / 99F) water in a baby bathtub or in a bowl.

4. Place your baby in a comfortable position on a flat surface and wrap a towel around your baby to keep them warm.

5. Insert the bath cloth or cotton wool into the water, wring it, and leave it damp.

6. Start by gently wiping the baby’s face, ears, and neck, before working your way down

7. Add mild baby soap to the water, use the bath cloth to clean the rest of the body. Remember to wipe the soap off your baby’s body.

What not to do when bathing a newborn?

Parenthood comes with a great amount of responsibility. It’s important that you take all the necessary precautions to keep your precious baby safe. To ensure you avoid any dangerous mistakes when you’re bathing a newborn, here’s a list of things you should not do:

1. Don’t leave the baby unattended: The best way to keep your baby safe is to have all eyes on them at every second.

2. Holding or placing the baby incorrectly: A newborn’s neck is very weak and needs assistance for head support. You need to ensure your baby has head and neck support at all times.

3. Placing your baby in the water without testing the water: Babies can easily get burnt. To avoid this, you have to test the water by using a thermometer or dipping your elbow in the water to make sure it’s not hot.

Enjoying bath time with your baby

Bathing your newborn baby doesn’t only keep them clean, but also serves as an opportunity to bond with your baby and enjoy being a parent. Now that you have the tips mentioned in this article, you can enjoy bathing your baby knowing that you have all the tools and information you need.