5 Bath Time Mistakes New Parents Make (and How to Fix Them
, by Sheena O'Loughlin, 3 min reading time
5 Bath Time Mistakes New Parents Make (and How to Fix Them
Bath time is one of the most precious parts of the day — a moment to relax, bond, and create happy memories with your baby. But it can also be a bit nerve-wracking for new parents. From water temperature worries to post-bath fussiness, small mistakes can turn calm moments into chaos.
Don’t worry — you’re not alone, and most of these are easy to fix! Here are five common bath time mistakes (and how to make every bath cozy, safe, and tear-free).
1. Using Products That Are Too Harsh for Baby’s Skin
Your baby’s skin is incredibly delicate — much thinner than an adult’s. Using heavily scented or adult-grade soaps can strip away natural oils and cause irritation or dryness.
How to fix it:
Choose mild, fragrance-free baby cleansers designed for sensitive skin. You’ll notice your baby’s skin stays soft and calm after bath time instead of dry or red.
2. Getting the Water Temperature Wrong
Too hot and it’s uncomfortable (or even dangerous). Too cold and your little one won’t enjoy it. The “just right” temperature is around 37–38°C (98–100°F) — close to body temperature.
How to fix it:
Always test the water before your baby goes in. The easiest, most reliable way? Use a baby thermometer that gives you an instant, accurate reading so you can relax knowing the water is safe.
(If you’re using our Baby Bath Thermometer, it lights and tells you the temperature — no guesswork, just peace of mind.)
3. Forgetting to Keep Baby Warm After Bath Time
Once bath time ends, the cool air can feel chilly on your baby’s damp skin. That sudden temperature change can cause fussiness or crying — and even a little shiver.
How to fix it:
Have a hooded towel ready before you lift your baby from the tub. Wrap them up right away, starting from their head to lock in warmth.
4. Rinsing Hair the Hard Way
One of the biggest bath time challenges? Rinsing shampoo without the dreaded “soap in the eyes” moment. Pouring water from a cup or your hand often leads to tears and fussiness.
How to fix it:
Use a baby rinse cup designed with a gentle, controlled pour. Our Baby Rinse Cup has a soft, round edge that sits comfortably against your baby’s forehead — guiding water away from their eyes and face. No more tears, no more mess — just quick, gentle rinsing.
5. Bathing Too Often
It’s easy to think babies need a bath every day, but frequent washing can actually dry out their skin. Most newborns only need two to three baths a week (unless there’s a diaper blowout emergency, of course!).
How to fix it:
Keep baths short (5–10 minutes) and moisturize afterward with a baby-safe lotion. Focus on keeping it calm, not constant.
💧 Make Bath Time the Easiest Part of Your Day
With a few small changes, bath time can go from stressful to soothing — for both you and your baby.
✔️ Use gentle, fragrance-free products
✔️ Keep water at the perfect temperature with a baby thermometer
✔️ Make rinsing tear-free with a soft, spill-proof rinse cup
A few thoughtful tools can make all the difference in helping your little one feel calm, clean, and cared for.