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Finding a baby bath routine for your newborn

The first few days at home with your newborn baby are sure to create special memories, but are likely to create some challenges, too – including that first bath. So what is the best technique for washing a newborn baby? You’ll soon find the way that works best for you and establish a routine. But in the meantime, here's some inspiration from other first time parents to help you find what works best for you.

With a tiny, wriggling newborn and all that slippery, soapy water, it's easy to understand why the first baby bath time might seem daunting. But for many parents, baby’s bath time is one of the best moments of the day, and as your confidence grows, each one will get a little easier. Before you know it, you’ll have mastered a bathing routine that works for your family. Because there’s no right or wrong way to do it – different things suit different babies, as these experiences from moms and dads go to show:

06 December '23

1
Go at your own pace.

If the first baby bath seems overwhelming for you and your little one initially, you don't have to rush into it. A newborn baby doesn't need a bath straight away, so you can do what works for you both. If they enjoy being in the bath, that's great. But there are other options too, as Junaid, Baby Dove employee and dad of three explains, "We held the baby in our hands and poured water on mommy's hand, so we could control the temperature of the water"
2
An easy alternative.

Until you feel ready to put your little one in the water, you can keep them comfortable on a towel and try washing their face, back, hands, and bottom. "Sometimes water and cotton wool is all your baby's delicate skin needs to keep it clean," says Emily, mom of one. After they wash, pamper their skin with a baby massage using Baby Dove Calming Moisture Lotion. This hypoallergenic, ultra-gentle baby lotion is suitable for sensitive skin, plus the chamomile scent is just the thing to wind them down before bedtime.
3
Warm and gentle care.

When the time is right for that first bath, try to keep the room warm and the baby bath temperature to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. To cleanse their delicate or dry skin, try a mild baby bath wash that is safe to use on newborns, such as Baby Dove Caring By Nature Ultra Gentle Foaming Wash. “It can be even better than washing with water alone, because it has 100% skin natural nutrients that help replenish the moisture in baby’s skin that is lost during bathing,” says Baby Dove Research and Development expert and mom of three, Bindu.
4

The post-bath routine.

With the first baby bath time complete, you can breathe a sigh of relief and (hopefully) feel that it wasn’t as challenging as you’d thought. But maybe you’re wondering what to do next to settle and comfort your little one. “Warm a baby towel and then lay it out," advises Craig, dad of a newborn. "Then when baby comes out of the bath, they can feel cozy quickly." Complete your routine by moisturizing and massaging your little one with a soothing lotion that's gentle on delicate newborn skin, such as Baby Dove Calming Moisture Lotion.
5

Timing.

There really are no rules to baby bath time. From the moment your baby arrives, it's up to you how often you bathe them and when to do it- although it can be a little easier if they aren't too tired, hungry, or full. Some parents prefer making it part of the evening route but Laura, mom of two, found earlier in the day worked for her, "When both my babies were newborn, I bathed them mid-morning when they were most alert and most rested"
6

Trust your way.

As a first time parent, you'll be figuring out lots of things as you go, and baby bath time is one of those. But however you decide to do it, trust that your way is the right way for you and your baby.