September is Baby Safety Month, and with 26th September being the UK’s most common birthday, thousands of parents are preparing for one of the earliest milestones in parenting - giving their newborn baby a bath for the first time.
At Sanctuary Bathrooms, we know bath time can feel daunting for new parents - but it doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, done correctly, it can be a positive bonding experience and a calming moment in a wider routine. That’s why we’ve partnered with Midwife, India Derrick from Liverpool Women’s University Hospital, to share her expert guidance on creating a safe, soothing and stress-free bath-time routine.
- When Should You Give Your Baby Their First Bath?
- Bath Time Basics: Keeping It Safe and Simple
- Sensitive Skin? Keep It Simple.
- Making Your Bathroom Baby-Safe
- Creating A Calm, Soothing Baby Bath Routine
- The Bottom Line: Safe and Stress-Free Bath Time
When Should You Give Your Baby Their First Bath?
There’s no strict timeline for introducing your baby to their first bath. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours after birth before bathing your baby. This delay allows the protective vernix to remain on the skin, which is beneficial for your baby’s health.
India Derrick suggests that many parents choose to wait a week or more after their birthday to let their baby’s skin settle and adjust to life outside the womb. After this period, most parents begin bathing their baby around three times a week, but this is an entirely personal choice - if you and your baby enjoy the bathing experience, they can have a daily bath at this stage.
Bath Time Basics: Keeping It Safe and Simple
Bathing a newborn can feel intimidating, but preparation is key. Here are some essential baby bath tips:
- Use a baby bath: Until your baby can sit up unaided, a small baby bath is safer and more manageable than a full-size tub.
- Check the water temperature: Aim for a bath temperature between 37°C and 38°C. If you don’t have a bath thermometer, test the water with your elbow or wrist; it should feel comfortably warm, not hot or cold.
- Have everything within reach: Ensure towels, nappies, clothes and baby-safe toiletries are ready before you begin. Never leave your baby unattended, even for a moment.
- Keep it short and gentle: It’s normal for some babies to cry during their first baths. Keep the experience brief and gentle, and your baby will likely adjust over time.
Sensitive Skin? Keep It Simple.
For babies with eczema or sensitive skin, less is more. India Derrick advises bathing your baby in plain warm water without any soaps or bubble bath. Newborn skin is incredibly delicate, so if your baby’s skin is reacting, it’s okay to reduce the number of baths for a while.
Making Your Bathroom Baby-Safe
Creating a baby-friendly bathroom can make bath time safer and more enjoyable, and it’s particularly important for that first-bath milestone to feel ready. Here are some bathroom design tips that will help:
- Non-slip bathroom flooring: Investing in flooring or floor tiles with a high PTV (25+ - good or excellent slip-resistance) or R slip rating (R11-R13 ideally) can help prevent slips when holding a wet baby.
- Thermostatic Showers & Bath Shower Mixer Taps & Basin Taps: Maintain a safe, stable water temperature by being able to adjust and have a consistent temperature.
- Handheld Shower Heads: Allow for gentle rinsing without splashing.
- Padded Changing Mats or Soft Towels: Provide a comfortable surface for drying and dressing.
- Clear Space: Ensure there’s room to securely place the baby bath close to the sink or water source.
- Accessible storage: Keep towels, nappies and baby-safe toiletries within easy reach.
- Warm, dimmable bathroom lighting: Creates a calm environment, especially before bedtime from lighting sources including wall lighting and bathroom mirrors.
- Room thermometer: Ensures the bathroom is warm enough before undressing your baby.
- Soft-close drawers and toilets: Minimises sudden noises both during bath-time that could cause distress or disturb a sleepy baby throughout the night when people use the bathroom.
- Good ventilation: Helps keep baby towels and items fresh and dry.
These thoughtful details can reduce the pressure of bath time and create a bathroom that supports a safe, soothing routine from day one.
Creating A Calm, Soothing Baby Bath Routine
Bath time is not just about cleanliness, it’s an opportunity to bond with your baby. To make the experience more enjoyable:
- Play soft music or white noise to keep the atmosphere calm.
- Talk, sing, or hum to reassure your baby throughout the bath.
- Keep baths short at first, gradually extending the time as your baby adjusts.
- Use gentle, baby-safe products and soft clothes.
The Bottom Line: Safe and Stress-Free Bath Time
Your baby’s first bath doesn’t have to be stressful. With preparation, safety tips, and a baby-friendly bathroom, bath time can become a precious, soothing ritual for both parent and child. From water temperature to non-slip floors, every detail counts in creating a safe, calm space.
With expert guidance from India Derrick and practical design tips from Sanctuary Bathrooms, you can feel confident that your baby’s first bath will be enjoyable, relaxing and above all, safe.
For more bathroom inspiration, explore our Journal or Guides.
