Bathing and Grooming

Page Updated on July 28, 2007

Believe it or not, babies don't need a lot of baths, and when they do need a bath, they don't need a lot of soap. Most babies do fine with one or two baths per week. You can add a third bath if you feel she needs it. Use soap sparingly, and consider only using soap for one bath a week, and let baby just get a soak and rinse down during the other baths. Too many baths or too much soap can dry your baby's skin.

Products to Avoid

Baby powder DO NOT USE BABY POWDER. Just because it has the word "baby" in the name doesn't mean that it is safe for baby. It can be inhaled causing all sorts of lung problems. It doesn't matter if it talc or corn starch. In some cases, corn starch can be even worse because it creates a breeding ground for yeast infections and rashes. Just cross this one off of your "to buy" list and toss it out if it's in your home. It's harmful to babies and adults alike.
Baby oil Oil is primarily used on babies to help with cradle cap, but shouldn't be used as a moisturizer for babies. Many doctors are now suggesting that you not use traditional baby oil as moisturizer on your baby because doesn't absorb well. Plus, it seals the skin so that it can't breath and function normally. Many parents use it as massage oil in addition to a treatment for cradle cap, but some worry about potential harmful side effects that could be caused by baby oil because it is derived from crude oil (the same stuff they get gasoline from), and they choose to use plant based oils instead, such as olive oil, but as long as the oil is not ingested, the only potential side effect known is an allergic rash (it still may be better safe than sorry though).

Products to Buy

Infant bath tub (1) You can use the kitchen sink. It makes for great baby photos, but the kitchen sink can be dangerous. It's hard and slipper, has a faucet that can get in the way and a drain that little feet can get caught in, and doesn't allow your little one to stretch out because there's just not enough room. If you decide to use the kitchen sink, make sure you put a towel at the bottom to make it less slippery and block the plug, and don't forget to hold on tight. Baby bath tubs are a bit safer. If your baby knocks her head against the side, she probably won't get a bump. Baby baths that have an incline for baby to rest against also help give mommy and daddy's arms a break and make it easier to use two hands to wash around the those hidden creases and rinse baby off. If you expect to travel, purchase a baby tub that will travel with you, such as an inflatable tub.

Safety First 4-in-1 Bath Station® is the best I've found so far. It's not too expensive, and you can use it starting from your baby's first sponge bath all the way through toddlerhood. It's fabric, inclined sling can be used in the sink or in the bathtub to support baby when she can't sit up on her own. (There's a small amount of slipping on the sling, but it is much less than many other bathtubs.) When baby can sit up, there is a bath ring that will keep her in place. When baby outgrows the ring it can be reversed so that baby has full use of the entire space of the tub. The suction cups work great, and the tub can even be squished to a smaller size for storage. (Make sure you open it all the way for a proper seal during use, or it will leak.) Babies like room to wiggle around when they're in the bathtub, so the size of this tub is wonderful, but because it is so big you probably won't be able to fit it onto your bathroom counter and is best suited for use in an adult sized bathtub.

Washcloths (2 per day plus 3 per bath) You need 2 washcloths per day for wiping off messy faces and cleaning tiny hands and necks. During bath time you will need one for covering up baby's tummy, so she doesn't get cold, one for putting under baby's bottom, back, or head, so she doesn't slip around, and one to actually wash with. You don't need to purchase tiny baby washcloths, but they are generally softer and can work in between tiny fingers and toes better than regular washcloths because they're thinner. They're not very good for keeping baby warm during bath time, though. Avoid washcloths that are covered with patterns unless the patterns are actually woven into the fabric. Often patterns are just stamped on with fabric paints, creating a rough side.
Hooded towels (unnecessary) Hooded towels actually aren't necessary. In fact, you can easily use a regular sized adult towel to wrap up your baby. Adult towels are thicker, bigger, and grow with your child. Like washcloths, avoid towels that have printed patterns because they are often stamped on with fabric paint, creating a really rough surface.
Baby soap (buy one at a time) Baby's skin is far too delicate to use adult soap on it. Purchase a soap that is designed for babies. Be careful with herbal soaps because your baby might be allergic to the herbs. Test it on just one part of your baby before you dunk your child's entire body into a bath full of the stuff. You'll end up with a miserable baby from head to toe. Try to get a liquid soap with a pump dispenser (or buy it in bulk and pour it into your own pump dispenser). A pump dispenser only requires one hand, and you can easily control how much soap you dispense. The best recent invention in soap is the baby soap that also doubles as a shampoo.
Baby shampoo (buy one at a time) Try to buy baby shampoo that is also baby soap. It will often save you time, effort, and money. They key to raising babies is simplify, and this is a very good area to do that in.
Baby lotion (buy one at a time) Often, babies don't even need baby lotion. Babies don't get dirty enough to require bathing every day, which can cause their skin to dry out, so if your baby has dry skin, make sure that you are giving your baby a bath no more than 3 times per week. If your baby still has dry skin, especially if it seems to be uncomfortable for your baby, baby lotion can come to the rescue. Avoid herbal baby lotions unless you know for sure that your baby isn't allergic to the herbs. Baby lotion can also be used for infant massage if you don't have or don't wish to use baby massage oils. Avoid using baby lotion in the summer because it can clog pores and sweat glands. You'll usually only need lotion in the winter anyhow.
Baking soda (stock up) Baking soda is great for putting into the bath for little ones with diaper rash. (It's not just for baking anymore.)
Nail clippers & safety scissors (1) Nail clippers that come in baby size are great on older babies, but younger babies have fingers that are so tiny that the clippers just seem huge and get in the way. Stick with baby safety scissors for tiny babies and buy the clipper for older babies. Make sure you cut your baby's nails while she's sleeping or in a very relaxed state. Otherwise, you could accidentally cut her.
Hair brush & comb (1) Even bald babies have a tiny bit of hair, and as well groomed adults we like to see them all go in the same direction. A hair brush is good for brushing those fine little hairs, and a comb is great for working out any little tangles (but be very gentle). A brush with stiffer bristles (but not too stiff) can help scrub off cradle cap while you're washing her hair.