7 Baby Bath and Skincare Essentials Moms Swear By

skin bath care essentials
Bath & Skincare Products

Even though new babies are teeny tiny, those first baths can feel like a big deal. How can you know you’re doing it right?

The truth is, every parent has their own way for making tub time work (before long, you’ll figure out the exact water temperature your baby loves, not to mention the best way to keep water out of her eyes when you rinse her hair). But there are some bath and personal care basics that are always worth having on hand, both to get your little one fresh and clean and make her comfortable. 

Best of all, this list of essentials is actually shorter and simpler than you might think. Here’s a look at the mom-approved items you need, plus product picks that get the job done. Take a look — then start stocking up.

 

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What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Mild Body Wash

Baby Dove Rich Moisture Tip to Toe Wash

Available at Baby Dove starting at $7
Why We Love It

Your baby’s skin might be extra soft and smooth. But it’s also extra sensitive and can be prone to dryness and irritation. A mild body wash or cleanser that’s free of harsh chemicals or dyes will keep her birthday suit fresh and clean without stripping it of its protective oils. 

Try: Baby Dove Rich Moisture Tip to Toe Wash is a gentle, hypoallergenic option formulated with prebiotic moisture for extra skin nourishment.  

Lotion

Baby Dove Rich Moisture Lotion

Available at Baby Dove starting at $7
Why We Love It

A creamy lotion will lock moisture into your baby’s skin after her bath and stave off dryness. Gently applying the lotion can be a sweet post-bath ritual, too. You could even use the time as an opportunity to try out some soothing infant massage moves

Try: Baby Dove Rich Moisture Lotionis thick and rich without being greasy or tacky. And it's hypoallergenic and pH neutral, making it gentle on baby's skin. If your little one has eczema, try Baby Dove's Eczema Care Soothing Cream

Tear-Free Baby Shampoo

Baby Dove Rich Moisture Shampoo

Available at Baby Dove starting at $6
Why We Love It

Because even though you’ll try your best to block the suds, some extra insurance never hurts. A tear-free shampoo will keep your little one’s eyes from stinging — and make bath time more enjoyable for both of you.

Try: Baby Dove Rich Moisture Shampoo is creamy and hydrating, and the tear-free formula won’t hurt your sweet pea’s peepers. 

Nighttime Products

Baby Dove Calming Nights

Available at Baby Dove starting at $8
Why We Love It

Planning on bathing baby at night? There are products made specifically for calming down your LO to lull her to sleep. These bath and skincare products typically have naturally soothing scents like lavender and chamomile. 

Try: Baby Dove Calming Nights lotion and body wash has a warm milk and chamomile scent that will hopefully make your baby want to snooze ASAP.  

Baby Bathtub

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

Available at Amazon starting at $39
Why We Love It

Many parents find that bathing their little ones in mini tubs is the best option, and for good reason: Baby tubs offer a little bit of extra support (though you’ll still need to hold your baby’s head until she can support it on her own), and having one means you don’t have to scrub down the entire sink or full-size bath tub before every bath. 

Try: The Fisher Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub is designed to grow with your baby. Use the sling to cradle your newborn, then swap it out for a sit-me-up support seat to keep your older baby steady. Once she’s sitting on her own, you can take out the seat altogether. 

Hooded Towel

Burt's Bees Organic Hooded Towel

Available at Amazon starting at $25
Why We Love It

Let’s face it — the cuteness alone is reason to have one. But a hooded towel also keeps your baby’s head cozy when you take her out of the bath, helping her stay warmer and more comfortable overall. 

Try: Burt’s Bees Organic Hooded Towels are made of soft, absorbent knit terry that feels good on your little one’s skin. And the hood size is perfect: Big enough to fully cloak your baby’s head, but not so big that it drops over her eyes. 

Baby Washcloths

Luvable Friends Washcloths

Available at Amazon starting at $9
Why We Love It

Having a dedicated stash of washcloths for your baby’s bathing area means you don’t have to run around gathering supplies before tub time. So you might as well get a pack that’s made with babies in mind: The texture tends to be softer and gentler on your sweetie’s skin.  

Try: Luvable Friends Washclothsare soft, durable, inexpensive — and cute. Plus they come in a 12-pack, so you (probably) won’t run out in between laundry loads.