Your First Newborn Bath, Made Easy: Essentials + How-To
Your First Newborn Bath, Made Easy: Essentials + How-To
A gentle guide to bathing your baby for the first time, with all the essentials
Jan 5, 2026
When you have a new baby around, you might be unsure of the best way to do certain things. Babies are tiny and fragile, so ensuring they are bathed in the correct way with all the essentials is vital. But, finding the right items can be a challenge, especially if this is your first baby.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Here, we’ll give you all you need to know about newborn bath essentials.
What Does a Baby Need for a Bath?
When you’re preparing for a newborn baby, shopping for bathing supplies is an important step. Newborn babies are sensitive, so you need to buy items that are gentle enough for their delicate skin. Below is a checklist of essential baby bathing items:
What Are the Essentials for Baby Bathing?
We've put together a list of the key essentials you're going to need for your baby's first ever bath time.
What Baby Bath Products Do You Need?
This checklist covers the core bath products for newborns that are gentle, safe, and suitable for delicate skin.
The Essential | What to Look For |
|---|---|
Mild Soap | Choose a gentle baby soap free from alcohol, fragrances, and parabens. It’s safest for newborns with sensitive skin. |
Bath Cloths | Use soft, hypoallergenic cloths, preferably made from cotton, which is gentle on sensitive skin. |
Mild Shampoo | Opt for a mild baby shampoo to gently cleanse hair and scalp without irritation. |
Towel | Use a soft towel to dry your baby after bathing and keep them warm. |
Lotion | Baby skin is delicate and prone to dryness. Use a gentle, mild baby lotion to moisturize and protect. |
Baby Bathtub/Seat | A baby bathtub or seat provides support and safety during baths, helping to prevent slipping and making bath time easier. |
What Do You Need for Baby’s First Bath?
For a newborn’s first bath, simplicity is key. In the early days, your baby doesn’t need a full tub bath or lots of products. In fact, using fewer items helps protect their delicate skin and keeps the experience calm and gentle.
Before the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and healed, most babies are given sponge baths rather than being submerged in water. This means you’ll only need a small amount of lukewarm water, a soft cloth, and a towel to keep your baby warm. Any baby bath essentials you use should be mild, fragrance-free, and specifically designed for newborns.
Once the cord has healed, you can move on to shallow baths using a baby tub or bath seat. Even then, minimal product use is recommended. Warm water alone is often enough, with a small amount of gentle cleanser used only when needed. For a baby’s first bath, keeping things simple helps make the experience soothing rather than overwhelming.
How to give a newborn a sponge bath?
When you’re giving a newborn a bath, you need to be cautious and ensure that all the baby bath essentials are nearby. Using the right baby bath essentials is especially important during sponge baths, as newborn skin is highly sensitive.
To give your newborn a sponge bath, follow these tips:
Step 1: Prepare the Room
Make sure the room is comfortably warm with no drafts. Babies lose heat quickly.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
Have everything ready before you begin:
Baby bathtub or bowl of water
➜ Mild baby soap
➜ Soft bath cloth or cotton wool
➜ Towels
➜ Clean clothes and diaper
Step 3: Prepare the Water
Fill the baby bathtub or bowl with lukewarm water (~37°C / 99°F).
Always test with your wrist or elbow.
Step 4: Position Your Baby
Place your baby on a flat, safe surface (e.g., a changing mat).
Wrap them in a towel to keep warm, exposing only the area you’re washing.
Step 5: Start with the Face
Dip the cloth or cotton wool in water, wring it out so it’s damp, not soaking, and gently clean your baby’s:
➜ Face
➜ Ears (outer parts only)
➜ Neck
Step 6: Clean the Rest of their Body
Add a few drops of mild baby soap to the water.
Use the bath cloth to clean:
➜ Chest and arms
➜ Legs and feet
➜ Back and bottom
Make sure to rinse off any soap with clean damp cloth sections.
What Should You Bathe a Newborn In?
In the first few weeks of life, newborns are best bathed using sponge baths. This involves gently cleaning your baby with a damp cloth while they lie on a safe, flat surface, without placing them fully in water.
After the umbilical stump has healed, you can begin bathing your baby in:
A small baby bathtub
A baby bath seat placed in a regular bath
A clean sink designed for infant bathing
Whichever option you choose, the water should always be shallow and lukewarm. Babies don’t need deep water, and full submersion isn’t necessary. Supporting your baby’s head and neck at all times is essential, as newborns have very little neck strength.
Using the right baby bath essentials, along with a stable bathing setup, helps ensure bath time is both safe and comfortable for your newborn.
What not to do when bathing a newborn?
Parenthood comes with a great amount of responsibility. It’s important that you take all the necessary precautions to keep your precious baby safe. To ensure you avoid any dangerous mistakes when you’re bathing a newborn, here’s a list of things you should not do:
Don’t leave the baby unattended: The best way to keep your baby safe is to have all eyes on them at every second.
Holding or placing the baby incorrectly: A newborn’s neck is very weak and needs assistance for head support. You need to ensure your baby has head and neck support at all times.
Placing your baby in the water without testing the water: Babies can easily get burnt. To avoid this, you have to test the water by using a thermometer or dipping your elbow in the water to make sure it’s not hot.
What Are the Best Bath Products for Newborns?
The best bath products for newborns are those that are gentle, simple, and free from harsh ingredients. Newborn skin is highly sensitive, so choosing the right baby bathing essentials can help prevent irritation and dryness.
When shopping for bath products for newborns, look for:
Mild, fragrance-free baby soap or cleanser
Soap-free formulas designed for sensitive skin
Alcohol-free and paraben-free products
Hypoallergenic baby lotions for occasional use
In many cases, warm water alone is enough to clean your baby, especially in the early weeks. Products should be used sparingly and only when necessary. Overusing cleansers can strip natural oils from your baby’s skin.
The best bath essentials for newborns focus on protection rather than perfection. A small selection of well-chosen products is far more effective than a cupboard full of unnecessary items.
Enjoying bath time with your baby
Bathing your newborn baby doesn’t only keep them clean, but also serves as an opportunity to bond with your baby and enjoy being a parent. Now that you have the tips mentioned in this article, you can enjoy bathing your baby knowing that you have all the tools and information you need.
Create your baby registry here
When you have a new baby around, you might be unsure of the best way to do certain things. Babies are tiny and fragile, so ensuring they are bathed in the correct way with all the essentials is vital. But, finding the right items can be a challenge, especially if this is your first baby.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Here, we’ll give you all you need to know about newborn bath essentials.
What Does a Baby Need for a Bath?
When you’re preparing for a newborn baby, shopping for bathing supplies is an important step. Newborn babies are sensitive, so you need to buy items that are gentle enough for their delicate skin. Below is a checklist of essential baby bathing items:
What Are the Essentials for Baby Bathing?
We've put together a list of the key essentials you're going to need for your baby's first ever bath time.
What Baby Bath Products Do You Need?
This checklist covers the core bath products for newborns that are gentle, safe, and suitable for delicate skin.
The Essential | What to Look For |
|---|---|
Mild Soap | Choose a gentle baby soap free from alcohol, fragrances, and parabens. It’s safest for newborns with sensitive skin. |
Bath Cloths | Use soft, hypoallergenic cloths, preferably made from cotton, which is gentle on sensitive skin. |
Mild Shampoo | Opt for a mild baby shampoo to gently cleanse hair and scalp without irritation. |
Towel | Use a soft towel to dry your baby after bathing and keep them warm. |
Lotion | Baby skin is delicate and prone to dryness. Use a gentle, mild baby lotion to moisturize and protect. |
Baby Bathtub/Seat | A baby bathtub or seat provides support and safety during baths, helping to prevent slipping and making bath time easier. |
What Do You Need for Baby’s First Bath?
For a newborn’s first bath, simplicity is key. In the early days, your baby doesn’t need a full tub bath or lots of products. In fact, using fewer items helps protect their delicate skin and keeps the experience calm and gentle.
Before the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and healed, most babies are given sponge baths rather than being submerged in water. This means you’ll only need a small amount of lukewarm water, a soft cloth, and a towel to keep your baby warm. Any baby bath essentials you use should be mild, fragrance-free, and specifically designed for newborns.
Once the cord has healed, you can move on to shallow baths using a baby tub or bath seat. Even then, minimal product use is recommended. Warm water alone is often enough, with a small amount of gentle cleanser used only when needed. For a baby’s first bath, keeping things simple helps make the experience soothing rather than overwhelming.
How to give a newborn a sponge bath?
When you’re giving a newborn a bath, you need to be cautious and ensure that all the baby bath essentials are nearby. Using the right baby bath essentials is especially important during sponge baths, as newborn skin is highly sensitive.
To give your newborn a sponge bath, follow these tips:
Step 1: Prepare the Room
Make sure the room is comfortably warm with no drafts. Babies lose heat quickly.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
Have everything ready before you begin:
Baby bathtub or bowl of water
➜ Mild baby soap
➜ Soft bath cloth or cotton wool
➜ Towels
➜ Clean clothes and diaper
Step 3: Prepare the Water
Fill the baby bathtub or bowl with lukewarm water (~37°C / 99°F).
Always test with your wrist or elbow.
Step 4: Position Your Baby
Place your baby on a flat, safe surface (e.g., a changing mat).
Wrap them in a towel to keep warm, exposing only the area you’re washing.
Step 5: Start with the Face
Dip the cloth or cotton wool in water, wring it out so it’s damp, not soaking, and gently clean your baby’s:
➜ Face
➜ Ears (outer parts only)
➜ Neck
Step 6: Clean the Rest of their Body
Add a few drops of mild baby soap to the water.
Use the bath cloth to clean:
➜ Chest and arms
➜ Legs and feet
➜ Back and bottom
Make sure to rinse off any soap with clean damp cloth sections.
What Should You Bathe a Newborn In?
In the first few weeks of life, newborns are best bathed using sponge baths. This involves gently cleaning your baby with a damp cloth while they lie on a safe, flat surface, without placing them fully in water.
After the umbilical stump has healed, you can begin bathing your baby in:
A small baby bathtub
A baby bath seat placed in a regular bath
A clean sink designed for infant bathing
Whichever option you choose, the water should always be shallow and lukewarm. Babies don’t need deep water, and full submersion isn’t necessary. Supporting your baby’s head and neck at all times is essential, as newborns have very little neck strength.
Using the right baby bath essentials, along with a stable bathing setup, helps ensure bath time is both safe and comfortable for your newborn.
What not to do when bathing a newborn?
Parenthood comes with a great amount of responsibility. It’s important that you take all the necessary precautions to keep your precious baby safe. To ensure you avoid any dangerous mistakes when you’re bathing a newborn, here’s a list of things you should not do:
Don’t leave the baby unattended: The best way to keep your baby safe is to have all eyes on them at every second.
Holding or placing the baby incorrectly: A newborn’s neck is very weak and needs assistance for head support. You need to ensure your baby has head and neck support at all times.
Placing your baby in the water without testing the water: Babies can easily get burnt. To avoid this, you have to test the water by using a thermometer or dipping your elbow in the water to make sure it’s not hot.
What Are the Best Bath Products for Newborns?
The best bath products for newborns are those that are gentle, simple, and free from harsh ingredients. Newborn skin is highly sensitive, so choosing the right baby bathing essentials can help prevent irritation and dryness.
When shopping for bath products for newborns, look for:
Mild, fragrance-free baby soap or cleanser
Soap-free formulas designed for sensitive skin
Alcohol-free and paraben-free products
Hypoallergenic baby lotions for occasional use
In many cases, warm water alone is enough to clean your baby, especially in the early weeks. Products should be used sparingly and only when necessary. Overusing cleansers can strip natural oils from your baby’s skin.
The best bath essentials for newborns focus on protection rather than perfection. A small selection of well-chosen products is far more effective than a cupboard full of unnecessary items.
Enjoying bath time with your baby
Bathing your newborn baby doesn’t only keep them clean, but also serves as an opportunity to bond with your baby and enjoy being a parent. Now that you have the tips mentioned in this article, you can enjoy bathing your baby knowing that you have all the tools and information you need.
Create your baby registry here
