A baby bath routine can help keep your little one clean and comfortable while creating a calm moment for you to enjoy together.

Bath time does not need to involve lots of steps or products. Preparing everything in advance and following a familiar routine can make the experience feel easier and more reassuring for both you and your baby.

How often should you bathe your baby?

Babies do not usually need a full bath every day. Two or three baths a week may be enough, with gentle cleaning of the face, neck, hands and nappy area in between.

Some babies enjoy a daily bath as part of their evening routine. This is fine as long as their skin remains comfortable and does not become dry or irritated.

What do you need for a baby bath?

Before you begin, place everything within easy reach:

• A clean baby bath

• A soft washcloth or cotton wool

• A warm towel

• A clean nappy

• Fresh clothes

• Baby skincare products for afterwards

Choose a time when your baby is awake and content, rather than hungry, very tired or immediately after a feed.

A simple baby bath routine

1. Prepare the water

Fill the bath with a small amount of comfortably warm water. Mix it well and check the temperature with your wrist or elbow before placing your baby in the bath.

2. Clean the face

Using warm water and a soft cloth or cotton wool, gently wipe your baby’s face. Clean around the eyes, cheeks, chin and behind the ears without rubbing.

3. Wash the hair and body

Support your baby’s head and shoulders as you lower them gently into the water.

Use your free hand to wash their hair and body, paying attention to the neck, underarms and skin folds where moisture or milk may collect.

Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a moment.

4. Dry gently

Lift your baby onto a warm towel and pat their skin dry. Avoid rubbing, especially if their skin feels dry or sensitive.

Make sure the skin folds are fully dry before putting on a clean nappy and fresh clothes.

Baby massage after the bath

After bath time, gentle massage can help moisturise your baby’s skin while creating a calm moment of closeness.

Warm a small amount of Colief Baby Massage Oil between your hands, then use slow, gentle strokes across your baby’s arms, legs, tummy or back.

Made with Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba, Lavender Oil and Vitamin E, it helps nourish delicate skin while supporting soothing massage and one-to-one bonding. It is suitable from birth for full-term babies.

Follow your baby’s cues and pause if they appear tired, hungry or unsettled.

Caring for your baby’s face

Your baby’s cheeks, chin and nose can become dry due to weather, dribbling, feeding and frequent wiping.

Apply gently Colief Baby Face Balm directly to small dry areas after the face has been gently cleaned and dried.

Colief Baby Face Balm Chamomile contains Shea Butter, Rosehip Oil and Chamomile to help soften, moisturise and protect dry, sensitive skin. Colief Baby Face Balm Unscented provides fragrance-free care for dry, sensitive and extra-sensitive skin. Both versions are suitable from birth and come in an easy stick format for quick, clean application.

Making bath time feel calmer

Try to keep the room warm, lower the noise and move slowly throughout the routine. Talking quietly, maintaining eye contact and following the same sequence each time can help your baby feel safe and reassured.

A simple routine of bath, massage, face care, fresh clothes and a cuddle can create a gentle transition into feeding, playtime or sleep.

Bath time does not need to be perfect. Keeping your baby safe, warm and comfortable is what matters most.

Discover Baby Massage Oil and Baby Face Balm.

Find out more on our Instagram.