Baby Bathtime Safety

Keeping Tub Time Simple, Safe, and Easy!

Parents know this better than anyone: through play, exploration, and more, little ones can get a little bit messy from time to time! Baths are necessary to make sure your baby stays fresh and clean, but baby bathtime can be a little stressful for some new parents. After all, babies are our most delicate friends, and it’s normal to want to make sure baby bathtime will be a safe endeavor. Luckily, there are many simple tips you can use to make bathtime a breeze for you and your little one! 

Before we get ahead of ourselves, though, let’s go over some common questions parents have about baby bathtime. In fact, one of the first questions a lot of new parents ask is when they should even start giving their baby a bath. The general recommendation is to start full baths after your baby’s umbilical cord has fallen off. However, this isn’t to say you shouldn’t do any kind of cleaning prior to that moment — be sure to help your baby stay nice and clean through sponge baths until the cord has fallen off. After that, you’re welcome to start giving your little one proper baths using a baby bath seat or baby bath tub!

Another question a lot of new parents have surrounds how often babies should get a bath, and when. In terms of how frequently babies ought to be bathed, it really depends on how clean your little one stays after their last bath! It’s always important to clean your baby’s hands, face, neck, and diaper area daily, but they might not need a bath every single day. Most folks bathe their little one two to three times a week. It’s up to you! What time of day you give your little one a bath is also your decision, and often depends on your little one. Some babies love the sensory stimulation that water provides, so morning bathtime is a great option. Others become much more serene when given baths, so nighttime baths are a wonderful choice for before bed. The “best” option  is the one that will work for both you and your little one.

Often new parents wonder about the proper cleaning materials to use for their baby. Babies tend to be more sensitive than their grown counterparts, so it’s important to pick materials that will be gentle on their skin. We recommend using a special baby body wash and a washcloth to gently scrub them. Make sure the soap has as few dyes or additives as possible. For shampoo, a gentle tear-free soap will work fine! 

The most important part of keeping baby bathtime safe actually comes with the setup and cleanup! When giving your little one a bath, it is crucial that you stay with your little one at all times. Babies are very susceptible to drowning, even if there is only an inch of water in the tub. As such, a great tip for making sure you do not have to leave the bathing space is to have everything you need with you! Accumulate towels, soaps, diapers and a change of clothes before bathtime, and have them right on hand when you need them. Additionally, before putting your little one in the tub, make sure to put a spout cover over the faucet to ensure that your little one doesn’t bonk their head, and have a non-slip mat in the tub to avoid sliding. After your little one is squeaky clean, it is crucial to remember to empty the tub immediately! This will prevent any waterborne accidents. 

Keeping your little one clean may seem like a lot of work, but by following these tips, baby bathtime will be a breeze for new parents! Try Our Online Preschool for FREE! Playgarden Prep offers educational videos from real teachers, and numerous DIY projects that support early learning and development.