How do you make bath time fun for a baby? Practical tips for parents

Bath time becomes fun for your baby when it’s calm, warm and predictable, and when you’re relaxed too. Get everything ready beforehand, check the water temperature, talk and sing to your baby and only add play once your little one feels at ease. The most important rule: never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a moment.

The most important rule: never leave your baby alone in the bath

A baby can get into difficulty in just a few centimetres of water and within seconds, and it happens silently. So always stay within arm’s reach and keep a hand on your baby. Doorbell or phone ringing? Let it ring, or wrap your baby in a towel and take them with you. A bath seat or bath ring is no substitute for supervision either. Don’t leave bath time to an older brother or sister.

How do you prepare well for bath time?

A relaxed bath starts before the water goes in. Put everything within reach:

• a towel (preferably hooded) and a clean nappy;
• clean clothes or pyjamas;
• a flannel and, if you use it, a mild baby wash;
• one or two clean bath toys;
• a bath thermometer, if you have one.

Make sure the bathroom is pleasantly warm and free of draughts. Choose a moment when your baby isn’t starving or has just been fed, and when you’re not in a hurry yourself.

How warm should a baby’s bath water be?

Bath water for a baby is about 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, so body temperature. Check it with a bath thermometer or with the inside of your wrist or elbow: the water should feel warm, not hot. Stir the water well so there are no hot spots, and don’t leave the tap running while your baby is in the bath. A few centimetres to a hand’s breadth of water is enough, so the shoulders can be supported without your baby slipping.

How do you turn bath time into a moment of connection?

For a baby, the bath is less about washing and more about you. This is how you strengthen the sense of connection:

• Make eye contact and talk to your baby about what you’re doing: “Now we’re washing your hands.”
• Sing the same song at the start or end of the bath. Familiarity gives a sense of security.
• Gently massage the arms, legs and tummy during or after the bath.
• Follow your baby. If your little one looks away or becomes unsettled, it’s time to take things more slowly.

If you’re calm, your baby is also more likely to feel at ease. A first bath with some crying is completely normal; babies usually get used to it after a few times.

What games can you play with a baby in the bath?

Keep it simple. Babies need very little to enjoy themselves:

0–3 months
– Use a flannel or sponge to trickle some water over the tummy and legs.
– Gently move the water with your hand so your baby feels the current.
– Talk and sing; your voice is the best “toy”.

3–6 months
– Let a large, soft toy float past your baby for them to look at.
– Let your baby kick their feet against your hand.
– Splash gently and see how your baby reacts.

6–12 months
– Fill a little cup and pour it out slowly; later, let your baby try it themselves.
– Squeeze a soft toy or sponge together.
– Look at a waterproof bath book and name the pictures.
– Play peekaboo with a flannel.

You can read about everything your baby practises in the bath, from grasping to cause and effect, in bath toys and your child’s development.

How many bath toys are enough?

One or two toys per bath is plenty for a baby. Too many colours and sounds at once can actually make a young baby unsettled. Choose large, soft toys without small parts, and ideally without a hole where water can collect. You can read how to keep bath toys hygienic in our article on safe, mould-free bath toys.

How do you create a calming bath before bedtime?

Many parents make the bath part of the bedtime routine. A fixed order, for example bath, pyjamas, feed, song and bed, helps your baby recognise what’s coming next. This is how to make the bath extra calm:

• Dim the lights or use a small lamp.
• Put on some soft music or nature sounds if you like, or sing yourself.
• Keep play calm: no wild splashing just before sleep.
• Keep it short; ten minutes in the water is often enough for a baby.

If you notice that the bath actually makes your baby wide awake and cheerful, schedule it earlier in the day. Every child reacts differently. Also read more about overstimulation and sleep if your little one struggles to settle in the evening.

What if your baby cries in the bath?

If your baby cries in the bath, first look at the basics: is the water too warm or too cold, is the bathroom too chilly, is your baby hungry or tired? Sometimes it helps to use less water, to place your baby in the bath wrapped in a thin muslin for more security, or to get in the bath together with your baby. If it doesn’t work a few times, it’s perfectly fine to skip the bath. A baby doesn’t need a bath every day; a flannel wash is fine too. If you have questions about your baby’s skin or wellbeing, discuss them with your health visitor.

Toys from this article

• waterproof bath book
• animal bath toys, set of 4

Frequently asked questions

How often should you bath a baby?

A baby doesn’t need a bath every day. A few times a week is enough for most babies, along with washing the face, hands and bottom daily. If in doubt, or if there are skin problems, follow your health visitor’s advice.

How long can a baby stay in the bath?

For a baby, five to ten minutes in the water is usually enough. The water cools down quickly and your baby can get cold. Take your baby out as soon as they become unsettled or start shivering.

Can I leave my baby alone in a bath seat for a moment?

No. Even in a bath seat or bath ring you must always stay within arm’s reach. A baby can slip out or tip over, and that happens quickly and silently. Take your baby with you if you need to leave the bathroom.

From when can a baby play with bath toys?

Young babies mainly enjoy your voice, your touch and the warm water. From around three to six months, your baby enjoys looking at a toy, and once they start grasping, they can play with it themselves. Choose large, soft toys without small parts.