The 11 best baby bath products your baby will love

24 hours after my son was born, it was time for his first bath. This, I learned, is a big newborn deal. I had no idea this was such a major rite of passage, but, it turns out, I wasn’t completely wrong.

Prior to 2017, it was pretty common practice to bathe a baby fairly soon after birth. Birth, bath, bond, boom! Recent research has shown that not only is it okay to wait to bathe, but that the delay is really beneficial for both baby and mom. Studies have shown that babies that were bathed 14 hours after birth were less likely to have issues controlling their temperature and blood sugar levels and tended to be more successful in breastfeeding.

All these benefits were obviously a huge win for me and my son, but when the nurse came to hose my little guy off, I was a little nervous. Also, to add to my worry, I had never bathed a tiny baby before. What if he got soap in his eyes or I didn’t wash between his toes right?! As I am a visual learner, and a sports fan, I decided to treat my baby’s first bath like it was an instant replay at a football game. I needed video footage to refer back to once we had left the hospital. I also needed a detailed play-by-play of what was happening on the field. So I recorded my son’s first bath from start to finish, asking the nurse to narrate exactly what she was doing along the way.

Come to find out that bathing a baby isn't that hard, but it can be intimidating starting out. Babies are so tiny, so wiggly, and when hosed down, pretty slippery. My main takeaways after reviewing my bath time documentary were these:

It will be a little tricky starting out, but you will get the hang of it. Just breathe and bathe! Here are some mom-approved products to get you started.

Mom-approved baby bath products

Stokke® Flexi Bath® Tub and Newborn Support Set

Stokke® Flexi Bath® Tub and Newborn Support Set

If your house is like mine and you have two full showers and zero bathtubs, this is a great option for you. This bathing tub is foldable, easily transportable (AKA good for travel) and is great for newborns and kids up to age four.

Fridababy DermaFrida The FlakeFixer 3-Step Cradle Cap System

Fridababy DermaFrida The FlakeFixer 3-Step Cradle Cap System

Can babies get dandruff? Well, sort of. Most babies will have a bout of cradle cap, where they develop crusty little scales on top of their scalps. It doesn’t hurt and it’s not itchy, but it’s sort of gross looking and flakes off like dandruff. This three-step system will help nip the situation in the bud and will allow your little one to wear his or her favorite black onesie worry-free!

Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clipper

Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clipper

Something you will learn early on is that a baby’s nails are really thin, but they're sharp like daggers and will need to be trimmed. To overcome the initial fear of possibly maiming my baby, I needed the most optimal environment to cut my son's nails. The best tip I ever received was to trim my son’s nails after his bath. He will be completely zenned out from being in a nice warm tub, and thus less likely to wiggle about.

Aquaphor Baby Welcome Gift Set

Aquaphor Baby Welcome Gift Set Value Size

Aquaphor, a name you will get to know as well as your own. It’s the cure for everything: diaper rash, dry skin, chapped lips, you name it! This great gift set comes with healing ointment, diaper rash cream, wash & shampoo and water wipes. Everything you and your baby need before, during and after bathtime.

Uncommon Goods Glowing Bath Time Cubes

Uncommon Goods Glowing Bath Time Cubes

When your baby gets old enough to fight you on bathtime, throw these little guys into the water and await the positive attitude change. Great for ages three and up, these little light cubes get the fun glowing and fade away as the water drains away.

Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling 'n Seat Tub

Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling 'n Seat Tub

Moms in my network rave about this Fisher-Price tub. Durable and flexible, it grows with your baby from that first newborn bath all the way to that roomy toddler tub time.

4moms Cleanwater Tub

4moms Cleanwater Tub

Keep your baby’s bath water warm and their tub clean with this unique tub. This tub features an innovative design that allows for a constant flow of clean and warm water for your baby. This tub also includes a built-in digital thermometer so you know your baby’s bath water is just right.

SoapSox-Taylor the Turtle Bath Sponge Wash Mitt

SoapSox-Taylor the Turtle Bath Sponge Wash Mitt

Another great way to coax your little one into the bath is with a fun and friendly bath mitt. This mitt features an interior soap pocket for bar and liquid soap, and is also machine-washable.

Blooming Bath Lotus Baby Bath

Blooming Bath Lotus Baby Bath

A great alternative to traditional bathtubs, this tub fits nicely in most sinks and is good for newborns up to six months.

Dino Hooded Bath Towel and Washcloth Set

Dino Hooded Bath Towel and Washcloth Set

I am a sucker for baby hooded towels. Honestly, any hooded towel will get the job done, but one that wraps your baby in tiny little dinosaurs is super Instagrammable. This package comes with three towels and six washcloths.

Lil' Rinser by Splash Guard

Lil' Rinser by Splash Guard

They call it rinse and run technology, but I call it a godsend. This handy splash guard keeps water and soap out of your baby’s eyes and mouth and keeps never-ending whining out of your ears. Everybody wins!

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