Ah, bathtime. That sacred, blissful moment of calm in your baby’s day. A chance for them to relax and enjoy the warmth of the water, and—if you get it right—begin to associate this lovely little ritual with bedtime.
But let’s be honest, bathtime with a newborn can feel daunting at first. That’s why having the right setup makes all the difference. The secret? A well-thought-out routine and the Shnuggle Baby Bath, the ultimate baby bath that makes those early days easier. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Set the Mood for a Calm and Cosy Bath
Before you even turn on the tap, make sure the room is warm and comfortable. Babies lose heat quickly, so a toasty room helps keep them relaxed. Dim the lights, pop on some gentle background music (lullabies or white noise work a treat), and have everything to hand—because once baby’s in the bath, there’s no dashing off to grab a towel!
Make sure you have:
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A warm towel or baby dressing gown ready
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A gentle, baby-friendly wash like Childs Farm Baby Wash or Aveeno Baby Hair & Body Wash
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A soft flannel or sponge to gently clean baby’s skin
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A fresh nappy and sleepsuit for after bathtime
Step 2: Meet Your Bathtime MVP – The Shnuggle Baby Bath
If you haven’t already added the Shnuggle Baby Bath to your shopping list, do it now. This award-winning bath is an absolute game-changer, making bathtime far more manageable for new parents. Here’s why:
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Supportive Design – The built-in ‘bum bump’ helps keep baby in place, giving them a secure and cosy feeling while keeping your hands free.
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Compact & Convenient – It’s small enough to fit in most kitchen sinks or sit comfortably on a worktop, so you don’t have to strain over the big bath.
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Warm & Comfortable – The foam backrest helps keep baby snug, so they’re not startled by cold surfaces.
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Water-Saving – It only needs about two litres of water, making it efficient and quick to fill.
Using a well-designed bath like the Shnuggle makes baby feel more secure, reducing the chances of tears and making bathtime an enjoyable experience for both of you.
Step 3: Keep It Simple – Less is More
Newborns don’t need a daily bath, and when they do, gentle is best. Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers and keep the bath short—five to ten minutes is enough.
A soft flannel or bamboo baby washcloths will help gently clean those tiny fingers, toes, and adorable chubby rolls without irritating baby’s delicate skin. Start with their face and work your way down, leaving nappy areas until last to keep things hygienic.
Step 4: The Post-Bath Snuggle
The best bit? A warm, happy baby wrapped up in a fluffy towel!
Gently pat baby dry with a soft hooded towel (such as the Shnuggle Wearble Baby Towel), paying close attention to all those little creases. A quick baby massage with Weleda Baby Calendula Oil can help soothe and relax them before bed. Then, pop on a fresh nappy, a cosy sleepsuit, and prepare for a feed or cuddle before settling them down for the night.
Step 5: Make It a Nightly Ritual
Babies thrive on routine, and a warm bath is the perfect way to signal that bedtime is near. Keeping things calm and predictable will help baby understand that sleep comes next. Here’s a simple routine to try:
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Warm bath in the Shnuggle Baby Bath
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A gentle massage with baby-safe lotion
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Fresh sleepsuit and swaddle
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A final feed or bedtime story
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Lights dimmed, white noise on, and (fingers crossed) a peaceful night ahead
Final Thoughts
Bathtime doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation and the Shnuggle Baby Bath, it can become a wonderful bonding experience that both you and baby look forward to.
And while your little one may not be making a splash just yet, before you know it, bathtime will turn into a bubbly, giggly, splash-filled adventure—so enjoy these peaceful moments while they last!
