Baby Bath Supplies Guide
Baby skin is delicate and requires gentle products. Here's what you need for bath time and how to choose the right items.
Bath Supplies Checklist
Essential
- ☐ Baby bathtub
- ☐ Hooded bath towels 2-3
- ☐ Washcloths 10+
- ☐ Baby body wash/shampoo
- ☐ Baby lotion
- ☐ Baby nail clippers/scissors
Optional
- ☐ Bath seat/hammock
- ☐ Bath thermometer
- ☐ Bath toys
- ☐ Shampoo rinse cup (tear-free)
- ☐ Baby oil/cream
Choosing a Baby Bathtub
Types of Tubs
- Basic tub: Most common, affordable
- Foldable: Easy storage, great for small bathrooms
- Sink-style: Less back strain, sits on counter
- Inflatable: Great for travel, easy storage
What to Look For
- Drain plug
- Non-slip surface
- Usage duration (most last until 12 months)
- Storage space
Choosing Baby Cleansers
Ingredients to Check
- Avoid: SLS/SLES, parabens, artificial fragrances, dyes
- Look for: Natural surfactants, moisturizing ingredients
- Fragrance-free or mild natural scent
- Ophthalmologist tested products
Product Types
- 2-in-1: Body wash + shampoo combo (convenient)
- Separate: Separate body wash and shampoo (different formulas)
- Foam: Comes out as foam (easy to use)
- Liquid: Easy to control amount
Tip: For newborns to 3 months, water alone is enough. Use cleanser only 2-3 times a week.
Choosing Moisturizers
Types of Moisturizers
- Lotion: Light moisture, good for summer/oily skin
- Cream: Rich moisture, good for winter/dry skin
- Oil: For massage, apply on damp skin after bath
- Balm: For intensive care on dry patches
Ingredients to Check
- Good ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, oatmeal
- Avoid: Artificial fragrances, alcohol, mineral oil (some)
Tip: Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes after bath for best results!
How to Bathe Your Baby
Before the Bath
- Check room temperature (75-78°F / 24-26°C)
- Have all supplies within arm's reach
- Check water temperature (98-100°F / 37-38°C, test with elbow)
- Lay out towel, clothes, and diaper
Bathing Order
- Face: Wipe eyes (inner to outer), then face with wet washcloth
- Head: Hold baby like a football and wash hair
- Body: Neck, armpits, hands, belly, back, legs in order
- Diaper area: Clean all the creases thoroughly
- Rinse: Make sure no cleanser remains
After the Bath
- Pat dry with towel (don't rub)
- Dry all creases well (neck, armpits, groin)
- Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes
- Clean umbilical cord (for newborns, until fully healed)
- Dress baby
How Often to Bathe
- Newborns: Every 2-3 days (daily baths not needed)
- After 3 months: Daily or every other day
- Summer: Daily or twice a day (water rinse only)
- Eczema/Dry skin: Bathing too often can cause dryness
Body Part Care
Umbilical Cord
- Before cord falls off: Sponge baths only, avoid submerging
- Clean with rubbing alcohol (or keep dry)
- Keep watching for 2-3 days after it falls off
Ears
- Clean outer ear only, not inside
- No cotton swabs (pushes wax deeper)
Nose
- After bath, remove softened boogers
- Use cotton swab gently on the surface only
Fingernails/Toenails
- Trim when soft after bath
- Trim while baby is sleeping for safety
- Fingernails: curved, Toenails: straight across
Safety Tips
- Never leave baby alone: Take them with you if phone rings
- Watch for slipping: Baby is slippery with soap
- Check water temp: Add hot water away from baby
- Bath time: 5-10 minutes is enough
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP),
American Academy of Dermatology