Guide to Baby Bathing Supplies and Daily Hygiene

Babies' skin is thinner than adults' and loses moisture quickly, so bathing requires a few gentle products and clear safety steps.

Before Starting: Safety Rules

• Never leave a baby alone in water, even for seconds, as drowning can occur in a small amount of water. Prepare the towel, clothing and products before starting.
• Water Temperature: the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than about 38 degrees Celsius. Test with your elbow or a thermometer.
• Bathing Frequency: newborns do not need a daily bath; three times weekly is often enough, with daily cleaning of the face and nappy area.
• Before the Cord Falls Off: wipe the face, body and nappy area with cotton and warm water until the umbilical cord falls off, unless a doctor advises otherwise.

Tools That Make Bathing Easier

• Kiko Folding Bathtub with Temperature Sensor 11444— a folding bath with a temperature sensor.
• Kiko Baby Bath Tub 1 Piece— a bath designed for babies.
• Kiko Baby Brush Comb 1 Unit— a soft brush and comb for newborns.
• Vital Baby Nail Scissors— small nail scissors intended for babies.

Shampoo and Bath Wash

Use a very small amount of gentle cleanser, as soap dries a baby's skin. Choose a baby formula, rinse thoroughly and pat dry the neck folds, behind the ears and between fingers and toes.

• Sebamed Baby Shampoo 250 ml— a Sebamed baby shampoo in a 250 ml pack.
• Sebamed Children Delicate Skin Shampoo 150 ml— a Sebamed shampoo labelled for sensitive baby skin.
• Johnson's Baby Shampoo 750 ml— a Johnson's baby shampoo in a large 750 ml pack.
• CeraVe Baby Wash and Shampoo 473 ml— a CeraVe baby wash and shampoo in one product.
• Eucerin Baby Wash and Shampoo 400 ml— an Eucerin baby wash and shampoo.
• Nunu Baby Bath Liquid 200 ml— a bath wash intended for babies.
• Johnson's Baby Sleep Time Bath 500 ml— a Johnson's bedtime bath wash.

Oil and Lotion After Bathing

Most babies do not need a daily moisturiser, but if skin is dry, apply a small amount after drying. Try the product on a small area first and avoid the eye area.

• Johnson's Baby Oil 200 ml— Johnson's baby oil in a 200 ml pack.
• Nunu Baby Oil 200 ml— a Nunu baby oil.
• Johnson's Baby Lotion 200 ml— a Johnson's baby lotion.
• Nunu Baby Lotion 200 ml— a Nunu baby lotion in a 200 ml pack.

Wipes and the Nappy Area

Clean the nappy area at every change with water and cotton or gentle wipes, letting skin dry completely before a new nappy. Antiseptic or antifungal cream is unnecessary without a rash; for redness, a layer of barrier cream can separate skin from moisture.

• Welziad Baby Water Wipes 100 Wipes 2+1— Wellszade Baby Water wet wipes, a 2+1 pack.
• Johnson's Extra Sensitive Baby Wipes 224 Wipes 3+1 Packs— Johnson's Extra Sensitive wet wipes.
• Johnson's Ultimate Clean Baby Wipes 4 x 48 Wipes (3+1 Free)— Johnson's baby wet wipes, a 3+1 pack.
• Sebamed Baby Oil Wipes 70— Sebamed baby-oil wipes.
• Mustela Vitamin Barrier Baby Cream 100 ml— a Mustela baby barrier cream.
• Johnson's Baby Fragrance Free Jelly 250 ml— unscented baby jelly forming a protective layer.
• Sebamed Extra Soft Baby Cream 200 ml— a Sebamed baby extra-soft cream.

Common Mistakes

• Using fragranced adult products on a baby.
• Putting cotton buds into ears or the nose; clean only the outside.
• Sprinkling powder near a baby's face, as it may be inhaled.
• Bathing too often or using too much product.
• Leaving a baby in damp clothes or a damp nappy for long after bathing; moisture is a major cause of irritation.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

Consult a doctor or pharmacist if nappy rash does not improve within days despite care, if blisters, sores or oozing appear, if a rash comes with fever, or if discharge or increasing redness appears around the navel.

Find more supplies in the Baby Bathing and Hygiene sections.