10 Frequently Asked Questions about Baby Baths

A baby bath is a must-have item on any baby care list and it’s something that you should definitely add to your new-born list as well. Are you about to become a first-time mum or dad? Then you’re sure to have lots of questions. Just follow our hints and tips, and you'll know everything you need to know for giving your baby their first bath!

1. At what age should my baby start having a bath?

In theory, your baby can be bathed from birth, but most babies start having a bath from day 2 or 3. This is because your baby can then retain a layer of fat (vernix caseosa) that protects their skin. Soap affects this layer and dries out their skin. It’s therefore a good idea to use a product with a basis of gentle baby oil, so that their skin remains supple.

2. How often should my baby be bathed?

For a newborn baby, bathing them two to three times a week will be enough. If your baby enjoys it and is clearly relaxed when they’re being bathed, you can also give them a bath every day.

3. What should I look for when buying a baby bath?

You need to think about how much space you have at home. Foldable baths, like the one from OXO Tot, are easy to store. A stand-alone bath, on the other hand, might well be sturdier and more durable.

Some baths can be used over a longer period of time because they have a type of block in the middle of them. This is in place of a bath seat or a separate bath insert and it prevents your child from sliding downwards.  

It can also be handy to have a bathtub that has a built-in bath thermometer so you can keep an eye on the temperature of the water. The AquaScale bathtub from Baby Patent, for example, has one of these.

You should also check how you let the water out of the bath. Does it have a convenient system or do you have to lift the tub up to empty it? A bath on legs will often come with a drainage hose so that you can leave the bath upright.

Tip: Would you like to closely monitor your baby's weight at home in the beginning? Baby Patent's AquaScale bathtub features an integrated scale

4. What time of day is it best to give my baby a bath?

Taking a bath before bedtime is a good idea for infants. Bathing can be a soothing sensation and you often find that children get a little sleepy afterwards!

Tip: try to give your newborn a bath before feeding time (if they’re not already too hungry). If you bathe them right after they’ve had a feed, they may not keep it all down.

5. Where is the best place to bathe my baby?

Place your baby’s bath in the shower, in the bathtub, or on the sink or basin. This way, you won't have to heave buckets of water around the place and it will be easier to drain the water away afterwards.

You can always raise up the bathtub to the right height using a bath stand if you need to. The bathtub will then be situated at a convenient height, making bath time cosy and comfortable for both you and your child!

6. How do I keep my baby from getting cold or starting to shiver after their bath?

A newborn baby isn’t yet able to regulate their own body temperature properly. This means your baby will quickly get too cold or too hot. If you follow these tips, you can help keep your baby nice and warm after they have had their bath:

Make sure the room temperature is approximately 24°C when you give your baby a bath.

Place a hooded towel and hydrophilic cloths by the radiator or wrap them around a hot-water bottle. They’ll then be lovely and warm when your baby comes out of the bath and you can wrap your baby up in them straight away.

7. How much water do I need?

You don’t need to fill up a baby bath right to the top. About 10 centimetres of water will be enough to wash your baby in, and it reduces any risk of drowning.

8. How long should I bath my baby for?

For a newborn baby, 5 to 10 minutes is long enough. It’s not really a good idea to bath them for any longer since the water will quickly cool down.

Is your baby a little older and clearly enjoys having a bath? Then you can enjoy a longer bath time! Having a bath toy will make bath time extra fun!

9. What temperature should the bath water be?

The water shouldn’t be any colder than 36 degrees and no warmer than 38 degrees. The ideal temperature for your baby’s bath water is 37°C.

Keep an eye on the temperature of the water using a bath thermometer or by testing the temperature with your elbow. Be careful, though! What feels nice and warm for you, may be too hot for your baby.

Tip: choose a baby bath that includes a built-in accurate thermometer such as the AquaScale bathtub from Baby Patent.

10. What should I watch out for when drying my baby?

Use a soft tetra towel to dry your child. It will allow you to get in between all of the fine folds of your baby's skin: between their buttocks, neck, penis, armpits and the backs of their knees. And don't forget to dry the space behind their ears and their tummy button. This way, you can try and avoid your baby developing minor skin complaints.

Try all these hints and tips, and bath time is sure to be a super fun time for both you and your little one to enjoy together!