Skip to content
Dove
Men+Care
Baby Dove
Try NEW Dove Body Wash
Find Dove Near You
Join The Dove Family
baby bath routine

Finding your newborn baby bath routine

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 get there.

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 be 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: 

  • 1

    Go at your own pace.

    If the first baby bath seems a bit much 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 your child enjoys being in the bath from the first moment, that's great, but don't panic if your child doesn't take to water immediately. Lucy, Baby Dove employee and mom of one says "My son didn't love bath time initially, and I was worried he would always hate water. But within a few weeks he totally relaxed, and it's become our favourite time of day!"

  • 2

    An easy alternative.

    Until you feel ready to get your little one in the water, you could keep them comfortable on a towel and try just washing their face, neck, 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. And to make it even simpler, you could try Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture Fragrance Free Wipes – as gentle as water, these wipes are created to suit your newborn’s delicate skin, leaving it soft and moisturised

  • 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 37 degrees. To clean them, especially if their skin is dry, try a mild baby bath wash that is safe to use on newborns, such as Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture Fragrance Free Head to Toe Wash. “It can be even better than washing with water alone, because it helps replenish the moisture in baby skin that is lost during bathing,” says Baby Dove Research and Development expert and mom of three, Bindu

  • 4

    The post-bath routine.

    With your baby's first bath time complete, you can breathe a sigh of relief and (hopefully) reflect that it wasn’t as challenging as you’d thought. But maybe you’re wondering about what to do next to settle and comfort your little one. “Warm a baby towel and then lay it out ready,” advises Craig, dad of a newborn.

    “When he comes out of the bath, he can get warm and cosy quickly.” You could finish by moisturising, and even trying a massage, with a soothing lotion that’s gentle on delicate newborn skin – such as the Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture Fragrance Free Lotion

  • 5

    Time-wise.

    Although you might think differently, there really are no rules to baby bath time. From the moment your baby arrives, it’s up to you how often you bath 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 routine 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”

TAGS:

Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture Fragrance Free Wipes 50 units packshot

Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture Fragrance-Free Wipes
baby wipes
Baby Dove Rich Moisture Head to Toe Wash 200ml packshot

Baby Dove Rich Moisture Head to Toe Wash
shampoo
Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture Fragrance Free Lotion 200ml packshot

Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture Fragrance-Free Lotion
body lotion
SEE ALL PRODUCTS

Explore more

SEE ALL ARTICLES

YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE

I love bath time with my son because after a hectic day it’s a chance to catch up and spend some time together, as well as keep him clean and look after his skin.”

Chris

YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE

You can feel overwhelmed with guidance on how to parent, but it’s ultimately what works for you and the kids – as long as they’re safe and healthy.”

Charlie

YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE

Baby skin is thinner and more sensitive, it’s best to care for it with specific products. Soap should be mild, and creams should be hypoallergenic.”

Dr. Zilda

YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE

For me, motherhood was a beautiful life event – but I wanted to normalize feeling a variety of emotional states, which is why my community of moms meant everything to me.”

Sandra

YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE

Talking to someone about your emotional wellbeing can help make sure you get the help and support you need. With the right support, many maternal mental health challenges are very treatable.”

Sandra

YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE

The most important thing to remember when it comes to your maternal mental health? You are not alone.”

Sandra

YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE

While it may seem intimidating, bathing your baby only needs to happen two to three times a week, as long as the diaper area is thoroughly cleaned during each change.”

Kalyani Marathe, MD, MPH, FAAD

YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE

Try not to compare yourself, trust your instincts, and do what’s best for you and your baby.”

Sion

YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE

If all else fails, I have a good cry. It’s not a sign of weakness or that I’m not coping. Being a mom can be tough sometimes and it helps me to have a bit of a release and move on.”

Sally

YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE

It’s natural to sometimes feel alone as parents, so try to support each other. Each night, we share our moments of the day, learning from them to make things better next time.”

Andy

YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE

If you're going through a hard time with your baby, try to remember it’s just a phase, and you’re there to help them through it with as much patience and understanding as you can muster!”

Garen