A slippery newborn who seems impossibly fragile… who wouldn’t feel scared?

You’re probably here because baby’s first bath feels like a bigger deal than you expected.

You want to know exactly what you need, what’s actually safe, and how to not panic when your baby inevitably cries.

We’ve bathed three kids through their newborn phase (and yes, the first time is always the scariest).

This is your complete, no-BS checklist… just what you actually need, how to set up, and what to expect.

When to give the baby’s first bath at home

  • Wait until the umbilical cord stump falls off. Usually 1-2 weeks after birth. Until then, stick to sponge baths only. The stump needs to stay dry to heal properly and avoid infection risk.
  • Best timing for that first real bath? Mid-morning or early afternoon when your baby’s alert but not hangry. Avoid right after feeding (spit-up risk) or when they’re already fussy.
  • What to expect emotionally: Your baby will might cry. Some will hate it, some won’t. If they do, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. The water temperature might feel different, the air feels cold when they come out, and everything is new and weird. By bath 3-4, most babies start to tolerate or even enjoy it.

If you’re genuinely nervous, ask your partner or a family member to be your “hand-off person” for the first one. Extra hands = extra confidence.

What you need for your baby’s first bath: A no-fuss checklist

Here’s everything we used for all three kids—organized by must-haves, helpful extras, and total wastes of money.

1. Baby bathtub (or a clean sink works just fine)

An infant tub with back support works great for portability and gives you control.

But honestly? A clean kitchen sink is perfect if it’s deep enough and you have a faucet that swivels away.

It’s about the right size, and you’re not crouching on the bathroom floor.

Skip the fancy tubs with built-in thermometers that break in three weeks.

Travel tip: If you can, get in the bath with your baby. Skin-to-skin calms them down, and you have better control. Otherwise, the kitchen sink is your friend.

2. Bath thermometer

Water should be 98-100°F (37-38°C).

This feels warm but not hot on your inner wrist.

A digital thermometer gives you peace of mind for $10. Skip the elbow test if you’re anxious.

3. Gentle baby soap and shampoo

Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options like Cetaphil Baby or Aveeno Baby work well. You need very little.. about the size of a pea.

Some parents skip soap entirely for the first few baths. Water alone works fine for newborns who aren’t actually dirty yet.

As Amazon sellers, we always check ingredient lists. Avoid parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

4. Soft washcloths (2-3)

One for the body, one for the face. Keeps things hygienic and prevents soap from getting in their eyes.

Bamboo or organic cotton is softer on newborn skin.

We used ours for 2+ years, so buy a small pack you actually like.

A good set of washcloths can last a long time. The ones we use (spoiler—we sell them) were passed down to our second kid.

5. Hooded bath towel

Newborns lose heat fast. The hood helps keep them warm while you dry and dress them.

Look for soft, absorbent fabric that’s not scratchy.

We’ve found bamboo terry to be the best: super absorbent, soft, and dries quickly.

Bonus: makes for adorable post-bath photos.

6. Fresh diaper, clothes, and lotion (nearby, preferably)

Set these up BEFORE you start the bath.

Have lotion ready to use after each bath (newborn skin dries out easily), plus a clean onesie, diaper, and wipes within arm’s reach. This setup = way less stress.

Helpful but not required (good to haves!)

Bath kneeler or cushion

If you’re bathing baby in a tub on the floor, your knees will hurt. But we’d say skip buying this at first.. fold up a small towel. Free and practical.

Rinse cup

A large cup, preferably with a spout for better flow control, makes rinsing easier.

Honestly? Your hand works fine too.

Non-slip bath mat

If you’re using a tub-in-tub setup or your sink is slick, this adds safety.

We never used one for infant baths, but we did start using one when they could sit and stand to avoid slipping.

What you DON’T need

  • Baby bath seats. Not safe for newborns under 6 months
  • Bath toys. Newborns don’t care. Save these for 4+ months
  • Fancy organic towel sets. One good hooded towel is plenty. Two if you bathe frequently and want to rotate
  • Baby powder. Not recommended anymore due to aspiration risk

Baby’s first bath? You’ve totally got this!

Baby’s first bath feels like a big deal because it is!

For your baby, it’s just another new experience in a world full of them.

Key takeaways:

  • Gather everything before you start (this is 80% of success)
  • Keep water warm (98-100°F / 37-38°C), room warm (75°F+ / 24°C+), and bath short (under 10 minutes)
  • Support baby’s head the entire time
  • Expect some crying.. it’s normal and temporary
  • You’ll get faster and calmer with every bath

By kid three, we could bathe a newborn in under 5 minutes without even thinking about it. You’ll get there too.

If you forget something, it’s fine. If it feels chaotic.. well, welcome to parenting. You’re doing better than you think.

Looking for the gentlest baby bath essentials? Check out our review of the best newborn washcloths and towels.