There’s nothing cuter than seeing your little one in the tub, smiling and splashing in the water while he gets clean. Bath-time is one of the best times to bond with your baby, and bathing has many proven benefits that will improve both your lives. It’s important to prepare your baby’s bath carefully, to ensure safety and the best possible bathing experience.

But newborns aren’t old enough to safely bathe in the tub, so here are some tips to make your very own “mini-bath” for your littlest one.

Tips for The Perfect Baby Bath:

1.  Keep all your bathing things in a shoebox so it can be ready to go (if you forget anything, you’ll have to bring your baby with you, which is hard when they’re slippery from the tub!) In your box, keep supplies such as a clean diaper, a washcloth, toys, and some mild soap. Also, don’t forget to bring your fluffiest towels. Once everything you need is in the bathroom, bring in your baby!

2.  Fill a basin or a large bowl with warm water. Be sure to check the water and make sure it isn’t too hot. Don’t be afraid to add spongy toys or rubber duckies!

3.  Pick a place to bathe your baby. Be sure that the area is warm, not drafty or cool, as you don’t want your baby to experience drastic temperature changes.

4.  If you use a liner (foam or otherwise) in your basin or bowl, be sure to rinse it out after each use. This limits the growth of bacteria and the spreading of germs.

5.  Wash your baby’s face with a clean, damp washcloth. Don’t use soap, water is all you need. Don’t forget to wash behind those ears!

6. Wash your baby’s scalp and hair with baby shampoo (the kind that doesn’t irritate eyes, like “No Tears” by Johnson & Johnson).

7.  After washing your baby, be sure to rinse him or her off and be careful that no soap bubbles or suds get into the eyes or nose.

8.  Pat your baby dry very gently with a soft, fluffy towel and make sure your baby is warm and covered until dry.

Now It’s Your Turn
After your baby is nice and clean, smelling fresh and fast asleep in bed, take some time for yourself and take a nice relaxing soak in the tub. Don’t forget to add some soothing bath salt . Taking caring of a newborn is hard work so a nice bath should help take away some of the daily stress.

Some Important Safety Notes:
Tragedies can occur in less than 10 seconds: before, during, and after your bath, don’t leave your baby alone - not even for a second. Before bath time, tell your family/roommates/friends you are busy and can’t be disturbed. If you must leave the room to answer the phone (and really, do you?) or to retrieve something you forgot, wrap your baby in a warm towel and take him with you. While your baby is in the tub, don’t turn your back on him, and, obviously, don’t leave the room. Also, be very careful that the water isn’t too hot. Water that seems hot - in a good way - to you, might be too warm for your baby.  Test the water by leaving your wrist in it for a few moments. Also, do not use bubble baths or detergents - in very young infants, they can cause rashes.

Stay safe, and have fun!!