Your baby’s first bath at home: A guide to make it calm, connected & memorable
Some moments in the fourth trimester are big, loud, and unforgettable. Others are quiet - soft little rites of passage that gently mark the beginning of new life as a family. The first bath at home is one of those moments.
It’s not just a milestone for your baby - but for you too.
The first bath in the hospital with your baby isn’t always the most calming. I know my experience certainly wasn’t! It is a bit of a box tick exercise for them before you go home, so the timing isn’t always right. Baby is unsettled or hungry, you’re in a daze, still processing everything that’s just happened, and your partner is sweating under the pressure.
That’s why, as a Postpartum Doula, I love to set families up for a calm and connecting first bath experience at home.
And while the “how” of bathing a tiny baby is important, it’s also about so much more than that. It’s about helping parents feel calm, confident, and present enough to soak in this memory as it unfolds.
Whether you’re preparing to bathe your baby for the first time or you’re simply looking for a gentler rhythm, here’s my guide to making it a connected and memorable experience.
What You’ll Need
Set yourself up so you’re not scrambling mid-bath. A little prep makes all the difference.
A baby bath or small tub (I like the ones without the sling/insert so you can cradle and float your baby to give them that ‘bak in the womb’ feeling.)
Thermometer (ideal temp: 37–38°C)
3 soft face washers (one for their face, one to place on their tummy and one to wash their body)
A clean, fluffy towel (an adult-sized one is great as you have more to wrap them with)
Clean outfit, nappy and wet wipes ready to go by the change mat
Change mat set up right beside the bath if possible.
Baby massage oil (I prefer cold pressed and unscented grapeseed or jojoba oil)
Dim lighting and soft music
Bonus: An extra pair of hands!
Quick Tips for Calm ‘Spa Vibes’
This isn’t just about washing. It’s a chance to slow down and connect.
– Pick a time when everyone’s calm and unhurried
– Feed your baby beforehand so they’re not hungry
– Set up your bath on a kitchen bench or table to avoid awkward bending
– Wash your baby’s face first with a warm washer
– Lower your baby into the bath feet first
– Cradle them in your arm, supporting their head and bottom and float them gently
– Place a warm face washer over their tummy for comfort
– Use your voice to soothe and reassure them
– Keep it short - five minutes is plenty for a first bath
– Take a photo! You’ll want to remember it
– If baby is calm, follow with a short massage. Long strokes up and down their limbs and clockwise circular motions on their tummy is a great place to start.
– After bath: dry, dress, cuddle, and offer a feed if needed
A Few Extra Notes from a Postpartum Doula
Baths don’t have to be evening rituals to begin with. Find a time that suits your baby’s rhythm and your energy levels. Eventually, when you’re in the swing of things they can become part of a calming bedtime routine.
Keep your baby warm. Temperature shifts can be jarring for newborns - warm the room, use warm towels, and keep baby close after the bath.
Make it yours. This is a new family ritual to enjoy. Make it calm and soothing or joyful and chatty, with a partner or grandparent.
Looking for postpartum support?
If you’re seeking hands-on and emotional support in your fourth trimester, I offer in-home postpartum doula care in Sydney. Download my Packages & Pricing Guide to learn more about how I can walk alongside your family in these early weeks.