7 Tips For a Better Bath Time

Follow these basic steps to ease your new baby into a bath time routine

Baby’s skin is delicate. In fact, a baby’s skin barrier, the outermost layer of skin, is 20 to 30% thinner than that of an adult.¹ The barrier helps skin maintain its moisture levels and protects it against external aggressors. For these reasons, hydrating products that support the skin barrier should be the basis of any baby skincare routine. Be sure to read product labels and look for ingredients, such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin E that can replenish and fortify the skin barrier. ² Ceramides are lipids, which don’t dissolve in water. Lipids are naturally found in our skin. In fact, ceramides comprise up to 50% of the lipids in skin’s outermost layer, which forms the skin barrier. Lipids like ceramides help fill in the gaps between your skin cells so your skin can seal in moisture and keep impurities out.³ 

The ideal bathwater temperature is around 100° F / 38° C⁴. (Warm, not hot.) Pro tip: Put a floating digital bath thermometer in the water to check before you place baby in the tub. Check it throughout the bath session to ensure the water doesn’t get too cool. Also, make sure the room isn’t chilly or drafty.

A squirmy, slippery baby needs a little extra support during tub time. Use your non-dominant hand to cradle your baby’s head and neck as you wash with the other hand. Gather all your supplies in advance and keep them within reach, so you don’t have to take a hand—or eye—off your little one.

To avoid drying out your baby’s skin, bathe baby no more than two to three times a week.⁵ Use a gentle wash designed specifically for baby. CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo is formulated for newborns and contains ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and ceramides, and doesn’t disrupt baby’s protective skin barrier. It’s also fragrance-free, paraben-free and tear-free. 

Use a gentle shampoo to lightly massage the scalp area using circular motions. Be careful not to press on the fontanels, which are soft spots located at the top and back of baby’s head where bone formation is not yet complete. CeraVe Baby Wash and Shampoo gently cleanses without drying and contains ingredients like Vitamin E that deliver soothing moisturizing benefits.

Rolls and folds on a baby are adorable, but they’re also a hiding spot for breastmilk, formula, and drool. This can lead to rashes and skin irritation. During bath time, use a wet washcloth to gently clean any creased areas.

To help prevent dry skin, wrap your baby in a towel the moment bath time is over. Then apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer while baby’s skin is still damp.⁶ You may discover that your baby loves a post-bath massage—another soothing ritual you can both look forward to.

Remember, not all babies enjoy the bath time experience at first. If your baby isn’t used to water, stick to sponge baths until your little one adjusts. When it’s time for the tub, try keeping your baby happy with sounds, songs or floating toys. If that doesn’t work, finish up quickly and take heart: With age, they will most likely enjoy the tub. And you’ll love this together time, too!