One of the things that many new parents get nervous about is giving their newborn babies a bath. We know the feeling. Bathing a baby for the first time can make even the calmest person panic!
But with the correct baby bath essentials at hand, you will discover that bath time is not something to fear. Instead, it is something to look forward to. Bath time is a great way for you and your baby to bond. It’s also a fantastic way to relax and just have fun.
Basically, you can give your baby a bath with a bathtub, a bottle of shampoo, and some baby soap. Then again, there are quite a few things that you can add to your checklist to make the most out of baby’s bath time. Make it even more enjoyable with these handpicked baby essentials!
1. Bath Mat
You probably already know that your baby needs her own bath tub. However, it might not have occurred to you that she needs to have a bath mat, too. If you are worried about your soapy baby slipping in her tub (who isn’t?), then you absolutely must get a bath mat.
An anti-slip bath mat will keep your baby steady while you’re bathing them. They are usually made with vinyl or PVC and have suction cups with a tight grip. You may want to choose a mat that does not have BPA or allergens like latex. A mat that has drain holes in it is also a plus.
2. Rinsing Cup
Not buying a rinsing cup for baby’s bath time is actually a common mistake! It’s pretty easy to assume that you can just wash off soap from your wriggling baby’s body with your hands. It sounds okay in theory, but in practice, you will realize that rinsing can be a bit complicated.
Rinsing with your hand is impractical and inefficient, not to mention tiring. A rinsing cup, on the other hand, does the job quickly and effectively. Some rinsing cups include a visor that prevents water from getting into your baby’s eyes. This simple but useful tool will definitely make your job easier!
3. Bath Toys
Most babies enjoy bath time! You can make it even more fun and exciting with bath toys. And with the right bath toys, you can even turn bath time into an opportunity for her to learn new things.
A rubber ducky is a classic bath toy, but you can also get other toys that will enhance your baby’s developmental skills. For example, your baby will enjoy pouring water with a toy that comes with a spout. It looks like a simple activity, but it is actually strengthening your baby’s fine motor skills.
Other baby toys that help improve motor skills and inspire creative play are squirt toys, stacking cups, foam letters, and baby books.
4. Cotton Washcloth
Do not underestimate your little baby’s need for a scrub! For newborn babies, common issues usually include cradle cap and dry skin. For older babies, it can be dried food or dirt. It may be tempting to pick at these with your finger nail, but avoid doing so. This is unhygienic and can potentially irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.
Cotton wash cloths should be on top of every parent’s baby shopping checklist. They are really useful when it comes to cleaning up your baby during bath time. A gentle wipe of a damp washcloth is all you need to remove dirt and dry skin. Also, they are soft and durable.
5. Hooded Baby Towel
We recommend that you get hooded towels for your baby. Hooded towels are great because they stay on much better compared to a regular towel. Also, it is important to get one that is made of 100% cotton to make sure that it is ultra-soft and absorbent.
And because it has a hood, it does a good job at keeping your newborn baby’s head covered. You see, newborn babies lose body heat through their heads. With a hooded towel, you don’t have to worry about your baby getting too cold after bath time.
6. Bath Thermometer
It is crucial to keep your baby’s bath water at its ideal temperature, which is 100°F or 38°C. Because babies cannot regulate their own body temperature, maintaining their surrounding temperature will help keep them from getting too hot or too cold.
An old way of measuring a baby’s bath water involves testing it using your elbow. While you can certainly do this, take note that each one of us has different heat tolerances. What can feel cool to you can be too hot for your baby. To make sure that your baby’s bath water is just right, we recommend getting a bath thermometer.
7. Bath Organizer
When you’re running around the house, doing one chore after the other, it’s easy to forget a bath essential. Now, it is highly dangerous to leave a baby in the tub. Even if it only takes you a couple of seconds to grab the baby shampoo from the shelf, these couple of seconds are never worth the risk.
As a rule, never take your hands off your baby during bath time.
Because of this, another thing that you should have is a bath organizer. Keep all of your bath essentials – and your baby’s toys – inside it for a fuss-free and safe bath time.
8. Baby Grooming Set
To make the entire bathing process a breeze, it’s also a good idea to prepare your baby’s post-bath time essentials beforehand. Some of these baby essentials include a bottle of lotion or moisturizer, nail clippers, nail file, a soft-bristled baby brush, and petroleum jelly.
Aside from keeping your baby looking gorgeous as usual, good grooming is necessary in keeping them safe. For instance, well-trimmed nails will prevent them from accidentally scratching themselves. Moisturizer, on the other hand, keeps their skin from getting dry and easily irritated.
It can be a nerve-wracking experience to give your newborn baby a bath, but nothing is too hard for a well-prepared parent! To see our assortment of 100% cotton hooded towels, click here.