Baby Bathing: What Parents Should Know About Baby Bathing

June 14, 2022

Spending time with and interacting with your newborn can be a lot of fun, and one of the most fun ways to do this is by giving them a bath. Most babies love water, but it's important to be extra careful and attentive when bathing them. A baby bath can help you bathe your baby safely.

Some parents choose to bathe their baby in the family bathroom, but specially designed baby baths can be a safer option. Other parents choose to shower with their child, but holding a squirmy baby and standing in a wet shower can also be difficult and risky.

Is a baby bath necessary?

Parents bathe their babies in the sink, using a baby bath seat that hugs the baby's body and adds support. For many parents, a special baby bath is a great option.

Baby bathtubs are designed with your baby's safety in mind. Most baby bathtubs have a non-slip surface that helps keep your baby upright. Since newborns can't hold their heads up, it's important to bathe them in a smaller tub that's designed to support them and is easier to store than an adult-sized bathtub.

Always make sure to supervise your baby in the bathtub. Never leave your child unattended in the bathtub.

Your baby's comfort is also essential. Most babies love water, and giving them a soothing place to drink and play adds to the fun of the cleaning experience. Having a baby bath chair that you can place at counter height can be easier for new parents, especially after giving birth, as there is no bending required.

Baby bathtubs are also convenient. They are easy to clean with a cleaning wipe or warm soapy water. When bathing your baby in the kitchen sink or communal bathroom, make sure to clean the area thoroughly before putting him in it.

Types of baby baths

The right baby bath or baby bath seat depends on how old your baby is, where you can bathe your baby, and how much space you have. Here's a quick overview of the most common baby bath options:

Sink-mounted baby baths that you can place in your sink and create a protected space for bathing your baby. They are useful because you can stand up while bathing your baby, rather than sitting on the side of the tub. Plus, when not in use, the inserts can be folded up for easy storage. Baby bath seats can be used from infancy to six months.
Basin baby bathtubs are freestanding mini-tubs that can be used in your kitchen sink or bathroom, depending on their size. They can accommodate larger babies up to the toddler stage (around two years old).
Convertible tubs are adjustable and can grow with your child, transforming from a harness that fully supports your newborn when they are unable to hold their head up to a larger tub that allows a larger, older child to sit upright.

That said, babies grow up fast. Many of the best baby baths are customizable and have safety features that change as your baby grows, such as seat support rings or safety bars that you can adjust as your baby grows.

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