5 tips for baby’s first bath with Shnuggle

Bathtime is one of the most special bonding experiences a parent and newborn baby can share.  A new experience for you both.  It’s therefore important that baby feels safe and secure and that you feel confident and assured during bathtime. Shnuggle, the home of baby bathtime essentials, share their tips for baby’s first bath.    

1. What should the bath temperature be and how do I know if it’s the right temperature

The ideal water temperature for baby’s bath is 37 degrees Celsius which matches their body temperature. Often its having the water too cold or not enough water covering baby that leads to an unsettled bath time as they are simply too cold. It’s natural to worry more about the water being too hot and therefore it’s important for peace of mind to use a reliable bath thermometer alongside checking yourself how it feels.   

When preparing the bath, start with cold water first and add hot water to get to the ideal temperature. This reduces the risk of scalding. Use a thermometer for peace of mind.  Be sure to swirl the water first to evenly distribute the hot water and always feel the water temperature yourself alongside a thermometer to be sure you are happy with the temperature. Having the water at the perfect temperature and the room nice and warm will ensure a cosy, content bathtime for baby.   

2. What time is best for baby’s bath?

There is no set time of day that is best for every baby. It’s more important to choose a time of day when baby isn’t overly tired or hungry and when you have plenty of time to make it a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Some parents use bath time as part of baby’s daily bedtime routine, helping to relax baby for bed, and others prefer only bathing baby every few days at times when it works for their daily routine. The most important thing is finding the right time that works for you and baby.  

3. How long should baby be in the bath? 

The time baby spends in the bath will likely vary depending on their age and their love of bathtime (or not!). Some naturally love the water while others are a little more unsure. When they are in the newborn stage and for the first couple of months, bath time should be kept short to protect their delicate skin and to avoid them becoming cold as the water cools down over time. A quick couple of minutes for them to be gently washed and get used to the water is really all they need. As they get a bit older and become more and more alert, bath time can get longer and become a time for some play too.

4. What do you do after baby's bath?

When bath time is over be sure to have a towel and all you need ready to make a quick transition from the bath to getting them dried and changed. They may be tired and hungry after bath time so being prepared to feed quickly is key to keeping baby content.  If bathtime is part of baby’s bath and bed routine, keeping the environment calm and quiet will help them transition to sleep time easier. If they are not too tired or hungry this could be a great time for some gentle baby massage or tummy time. 

5. How does Shnuggle help with baby's first bath? 

It can be daunting giving baby their first bath. Worrying about the water temperature, whether baby will enjoy it and getting to grips with handling your tiny new baby in the water can take some practice. Making that first bath time experience as comfortable and safe as it can be for both baby and new parents is Shnuggle’s priority when designing baby bathtime products.

The Shnuggle Baby Bath is designed to support even the tiniest of newborn. The innovative bum bump and more upright position prevents them from slipping in the bath, creating a comfortable and safe bathtime for baby, whilst giving you the confidence you need to handle and support baby in the bath.  

Our Newborn Bath Support offers a choice for some parents who prefer a more reclined support for baby in those first few weeks. 

Bathtime can be sore on the back and knees with all the stooping and kneeling. The Shnuggle bath stand, designed specifically for the baby bath gives new parents the option to raise the Shnuggle Baby Bath to waist height, taking the backache out of bathtime for those first few months and supporting new mums who may be recovering from a caesarean section.

The carefully curated selection of bath accessories all helps make baby bathtime a more enjoyable, fuss free experience. Washy rinsing jug helps with hair rinsing, offering a soft lip to rest against the contour of baby’s head and direct water away from sensitive eyes.  The Bath Brush is super soft, offering a soothing head massage while washing baby’s hair as well as helping to get rid of any persistent cradle cap. Pebbly bath thermometer not only uses a super accurate sensor to measure the water temperature quickly, it also has an easy-to-read heart shaped light that keeps things interesting for baby during bathtime. 

We also have a range of bathtime toys suitable for newborns, baby’s first year and beyond, designed to make bathtime full of sensory fun.  These can also help distract little ones who may not be keen on bath time. 

Preparation is key to a stress free and safe bath time. Ensure you have everything you need to hand so you don’t have to leave the room whilst the water is running or once bath time has started.

Shop all Shnuggle >>