A Guide on Bathing Your Baby Safely

As delightful as it is to become a parent, there are so many new things to learn! Even the simplest things can suddenly feel complex.

Take bathing, for example. We all know how to wash ourselves by now, but new challenges crop up when applying that knowledge to a little one. They’re smaller, more fragile, and even have more delicate skin.

Don’t fret, however. This guide walks you through how to bathe a baby, whether for a newborn or a child who can already sit up.

How to Bathe a Newborn (0-6 Months)

At this stage, your baby has very little control over their body. This means that they have to be fully supported during baths. Put one hand under their head and neck from start to end.

When to Start and How Often

Despite what many first-time parents may expect, a newborn doesn’t need a full bath right away. The World Health Organisation (WHO) even suggests waiting for at least 24 hours after birth.

This is partly done to protect the vernix caseosa. That’s the white, waxy coating on a newborn’s skin that helps regulate their body temperature and guards them from infection.

Once you do begin bathing at home, two to three times a week is enough. Bathing more often than that can strip the natural oils from your child’s skin and dry it out. If you turn on the AC at home, the dehumidifying effect can make that drying even worse.

Choose your baby’s bath products with care too. For a guide to that, read our article on baby bath products and when to start using them.

Preparing for a Safe Newborn Bath

Before undressing your baby, ensure everything is prepared. Put the towel, washcloth, cotton balls, cleanser, nappy, and clothes within arm’s reach.

Test the bathwater’s temperature before putting your child in it as well. It’s best to add hot water to cold to moderate the temperature until you get to around 37°C. This is roughly body temperature.

You can use a bath thermometer to test the water before using it. If you don’t have one, try using your elbow or wrist, as they’re more sensitive to heat than your hand.

What to Remember During the Bath

Keep your baby’s head and neck supported through the entire bath with your non-dominant arm as the other hand does the washing. Babies at this age need that support for safety.

This also means you can’t leave your baby unattended at any point in the bath. Children can drown in shallow water within seconds. 

After the bath, pat your baby dry quickly but be meticulous about patting down the skin folds like the armpit and groin. Moisture can get trapped there and may trigger rashes.

How to Bathe a Baby Who Can Sit Up (6-12 Months)

Around six months, your baby will likely progress to sitting independently. Once your little one hits this milestone, you can modify your bath routine. 

Just bear in mind that your baby’s ability to sit shouldn’t lull you into a false sense of security. Even a confident sitter can slip or topple over. Keep an eye on your baby at all times, even during this period.

How Bathing Changes at 6 Months

At this point, your baby doesn’t need full support any longer. Because they can sit up by themselves, they can even start playing with the water too.

This is a great time to introduce floating bath toys to your child. You can also think about baby bath support seats that can help your baby stay upright with less effort. 

Check out the items we listed in our piece on the best baby bath products too. 

Safety Tips for Bathing a Sitting Baby

Curious, mobile babies present different risks compared to ones who need full support. Here are some rules to keep in mind during baths:

• Keep the water shallow 5 to 8 centimetres is enough for your child to splash in while not posing a drowning risk
  

• Maintain the correct baby bath temperature The 37°C rule still applies, as your baby’s skin remains sensitive at this age
  

• Stay within arm’s reach Babies at this age can sometimes lunge forward or try to stand, and you need to react quickly to prevent accidents
  

• Use a non-slip mat in the tub You can get these from baby product shops
  

• Don’t clutter the bath area Resist the urge to put too many toys or products in or around the tub, or they may turn into hazards
  

• Don’t add hot water with your baby in the tub If the water cools, lift your baby out and put them in a safe place before adjusting the temperature of the water

Take It One Bath at a Time

Your baby’s bathtime routines will probably evolve as time passes. The core principles won’t, however: safety is paramount, and hygiene is the goal.

Keep our tips in mind to get started smoothly, in any case. If you want more practical and parent-tested advice on baby care in Singapore, remember that you can browse our guides at MummyGuru! We’re here to help, every step of the way.