It’s completely normal if you’re nervous to give your baby their first bath but with the right approach, it can be a great bonding experience. You might find yourself asking: When should I give my baby their first bath? How do I bath a newborn? And how often to bath a baby? 

Well, don’t worry, we’ve answered those pressing questions in this blog post along with sharing nine of the best baby bath essentials and baby bath toys depending on their age.

When to give a baby their first bath? 

While The National Childbirth Trust says there is no set age your baby should have their first bath, some NHS trusts recommend waiting 24 hours before bathing your baby so that they can more easily regulate their temperature. You also may find it easier to sponge bath, otherwise known as a top and tail wash, until the umbilical cord has fallen off to keep it dry and prevent you from knocking it.

Bathing a baby: How to top and tail a baby 

Some people may choose to top and tail their baby until the umbilical cord falls off, you can also do this between bath days.

To top and tail a baby you will need:

• Bowl of warm water
• Clean, dry towel
• New nappy
• Clean clothes

Where should you place your baby? You can keep them on your knee or lay them on a changing mat while cleaning them.

What should they wear? To start, leave them in just their vest and nappy.

How should you clean them? Dip a piece of cotton wool into warm water and gently clean around your baby's eyes, ears, face, neck and hands. Use a new piece of cotton wool for each area, including each eye and each ear, to avoid spreading dirt and germs. Gently dry them with a towel. Take off their nappy and clean their bottom and genital area using fresh cotton wool and warm water. Make sure to dry your baby thoroughly, especially between any skin folds, before putting on a fresh nappy.

Should you clean their umbilical cord? Only clean the umbilical area if it becomes dirty with wee or poo. Use fresh cotton wool with warm water and gently pat the area dry with a towel.

Bathing a baby: How to bath a baby

For the best experience make sure your baby is awake and content and wait at least 30 minutes after they’ve been fed. Once you feel ready to bath your baby here’s everything you’ll need:

• A baby bath or washing up bowl filled with warm water
• Two clean, dry towels
• New nappy
• Clean clothes
• Cotton wool

Should you use any products? You can use plain water or a mild baby friendly liquid cleanser if you prefer.

How do you start? Hold your baby on your knee and gently clean their face with warm water. Next, support them over a bowl and wash their hair with plain water. Once their hair is dry, remove their nappy and clean away any mess.

How do you put them in the bath? Lower your baby slowly into the bath, supporting their head and shoulders with one hand while using the other to gently pour water over them. Avoid splashing and always keep their head above the water.

What happens after the bath? Lift them out carefully and pat them dry, making sure to dry between any skin folds. Empty the bath as soon as you're finished.

How often to bath a baby? The NHS says you do not need to bath your baby every day, you can top and tail clean them in between bath days.

For further information please visit the NHS’s guide to washing and bathing your baby. 

The NHS website states the following warning messages which should always be followed for safely bathing your baby:

• Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second. 
• Do not allow older children to look after your baby in the bath. 
• Babies of any age should always be supervised by adults in the bath.

Baby bath essentials for newborns

Newborn baby bath – £22.50

Make bath time easier with a newborn baby bath. It has easy grip handles, a built in seat to help prevent sliding and an anti slip base to keep it secure in the bath. The soft foam headrest provides extra support for your baby.

Baby bath thermometer – £12.99

Testing the temperature of your baby's bath can feel like a challenge but this floating thermometer takes the guesswork out. It displays the exact temperature and flashes red when the water is too hot. It also doubles as a room thermometer, so you can take it to your baby's nursery after bath time.

Baby healthcare and grooming kit – £14.99

This baby care essentials kit is a must have for newborns and beyond. It includes eight healthcare products along with a waterproof bag, so whether you’re at home or on the go, you’ll have everything you need. The kit includes:

• Colour Change Bath Squirter – A multi function seal toy that squirts water and changes colour when the bath water is too hot (above 38°C).
• Nasal Aspirator – Clears away the snottiest of blockages.
• Soft Silicone Finger Brush – Massages gums and keeps emerging teeth clean.
• Baby Nail Scissors – Rounded ends for safety, with a hygiene cover.
• Baby Nail Clippers & File – Easy grip clippers and a gentle file for tiny nails.
• Baby Hairbrush – Soft bristles perfect for delicate hair and skin.
• Scalp Scrubbie – A silicone brush for dry skin, cradle cap or applying lotion.

Baby bath toys 6 months

Watering can – £6.00

As your baby gets older, bath toys can make bath time even more fun. This watering can is a great starter toy, it lets your baby fill, hold and pour water, helping develop fine motor skills. It can also be used for outside play in the garden or at the beach, just be sure to clean it before using it again.

Sea animal bath squirting toys – £4.00

This set of three bath squirters, featuring a dolphin, crab and alligator, will keep your baby entertained while also stimulating their senses. Squeezing the toys helps improve hand eye coordination and makes bath time more interactive.

Baby bath toys 1 year old

Seahorse waterwheel bath toy – £13.50

This seahorse spin wheel bath toy suctions to the bathroom wall or side of the bath. Your child can pour water into the spout with the included cup, watching as the water flows through the seahorse’s mouth and spins the wheel. It’s great for hand eye coordination.

Bath toy cog set – £11.75

These colourful bath cogs suction to the side of the bath and interlock like a fun puzzle. As your child spins them, they can watch the water swirl around. A great way to encourage motor skills and coordination.

Baby bath toys 18 months

Splash n’ slide penguin bath toy – £10.00

This penguin slide bath toy comes with three arctic bath squirter toys. Your child can drop them at the top of the slope and watch them roll and dive into the water, making bath time even more exciting while encouraging motor skill development.

Floating octopus bath toy – £9.50

This fun, interactive floating octopus comes with rings for your toddler to practice hooking onto its tentacles. It’s a great way to keep them entertained while improving their hand eye coordination.

Whether you're pregnant, navigating the newborn stage or have an older baby, we've got a great selection of baby bathtime products, including our Newborn Bath and Thermometer Bundle and plenty of bath toys.

If your child is ready for potty training, we’ve also got you covered. Check out our Potty Training Kit Bundle, which includes all the essentials to get started: My Real Mini Toilet Potty and Potty Training Toilet Seat.