Baby’s first bath didn’t go quite the way you pictured it? A warm, bubbly soak might seem like the ultimate way to unwind, and yet, baths seem to get some newborns more riled up than relaxed. The good news is that there are ways to make time in the tub more enjoyable (for her and you). Here, five simple tips that can be a big help:

Time it right.

Set yourself up for success by picking a part of the day when your baby is likely to be in a good mood. After all, she’ll have more time with the bubbles when she’s feeling bubbly herself. If evenings are fuss-fests for your little one, consider bathing her in the morning instead of at night. Try to avoid a bath right before or after a meal, too. Your baby might not be up for cooperating when she’s hungry, and she might be more likely to spit up immediately after eating.  

Keep it cozy.

Your tiny bundle is extra sensitive to chilly temperatures, so do what you can to make things extra toasty. Warm up the bathroom with shower steam before bringing her in, and take her little clothes and diaper off right before it’s time to place her in the tub. Turn any fans or air conditioners off too, and leave them off until she’s nice and dry. 

Use a tear-free wash.

You might not be able to keep every bit of soap out of your sweetpea’s peepers, but using the right wash will ensure it doesn’t sting or burn. A gentle-formulation, no-tears shampoo and body wash combo will keep her eyes comfortable and help keep her delicate skin from getting irritated. We like Baby Dove’s Tip to Toe Wash, which cleanses baby’s hair and skin while leaving it soft and hydrated. And while we’re talking about sudsing up, hold off on washing your baby’s hair until the very end. Keeping her head dry for most of the bath will keep her warmer and happier. 

Make it fun.

Baths are a sweet opportunity to bond with your baby, so take advantage by introducing some fun — and distracting — activities. Sing favorite songs while you wash her, introduce a stimulating toy like a waterproof baby book or rattle, pour a gentle stream of water over her belly, or play with her tiny toes. When you hit on something that gets her excited, that’s your cue to do it again. 

Finish strong.

Getting out of the warm water can feel a little jarring, so aim for a gentle transition. Have a towel within reach and gently pat your baby’s skin dry. (A towel with a hood is cute — but more important, it’ll help your baby’s head stay warm.) Take a few minutes to snuggle her in her towel and tell her how great she did in her bath. Once she’s totally dry, apply lotion (like Baby Dove's Rich Moisture Lotion) to help her skin stay hydrated, and consider incorporating some soothing infant massage techniques. 

Remember, your newborn might need some time to warm up to taking a bath — even if you do everything just right. If after a few tries it seems like your baby isn’t a fan of being in the water, don’t force it. Just take a break and go back to sponge baths for a few days. Before long, she’ll come to love tub time for sure.