This post contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase using one of these links, I may make a small commission. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.
Have you ever heard of a bowel evacuation? No? Well, I hadn’t either, until my husband and I coined the term after giving our first baby bath time.
What a trying time for new parents… picking a location, having all your supplies ready, and watching more than a couple YouTube videos are completely necessary.
Have you ever heard of a bowel evacuation? No? Well, I hadn’t either, until my husband and I coined the term after giving our first baby bath time.
What a trying time for new parents… picking a location, having all your supplies ready, and watching more than a couple YouTube videos are completely necessary.
So, what’s with the bowel evacuation?
My husband and I thought we had done everything to plan ahead. We decided the kitchen island would be the best place for bathing, since we could assist each other from every angle. We laid everything out beforehand, even talked out our plan of action.
What we didn’t take into account was the third person in this equation; the one you can’t control: the baby!
Things started off smoothly. I was smiling and narrating video footage, while my husband washed our baby’s little crevices. Then, it happened. First, our baby, Remy, proceeded to take what seemed to be the world’s largest dump in his little plastic tub. As we wildly discussed what we were going to do next, a fountain of urine began spraying in all directions. Talk about an epic fail.
Why am I telling you this story?
Because, I had to learn quickly what products were actually necessary for me at baby bath time, in fear that something like this could happen again.
Let my nightmare, make preparing for your baby’s first bath much easier by checking out my top picks for favorite bathing essentials.
I need to warn you that my bathing items have a split personality in that some items are simple and cheap and others will make your mom say “Oh, brother!”
1. Tub: The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn To Toddler Tub
The tub is lightweight, has an adjustable insert, and it’s cheap! We were happy we had this tub during our first bath, as we could easily dump the water out and quickly clean it.
Please don’t let anyone talk you into some gimmicky tub! This one does the job for a much lower cost.
2. Soaps & Lotion:Aveeno Baby Bath Time Solutions Gift Set
I am a sucker for Aveeno Baby products because they work!
I am sensitive to smells (ugh, migraines!), and the Aveeno soaps and lotions have such a light, clean scent. They also do an excellent job of keeping my baby’s skin hydrated and smooth.
I added this gift set to my registry so I could try a couple different products out, and I’m happy I did!
3. Washcloths:Bamboo Washcloths
The washcloths are an “Oh, brother!” product that I LOVE, and, sometimes have to defend to others.
Before delving into baby world, I had no idea you could even make things out of bamboo except floors!
Although I still don’t understand how they make cloth out of bamboo, I do know these washcloths feel like butter on my baby’s sensitive skin. I definitely don’t regret paying extra for this awesome bath product.
4. Towels: Qutie 10 Layer Muslin Cotton Towel
and Gingham Nursery Hooded Towel
I registered for tons of different towels, but my favorites are the Qutie 10 Layer Muslin Cotton Towel
Here’s a quick breakdown of each one:
Qutie 10 Layer Muslin Cotton Towel–
This towel is definitely another “Oh, brother!” bath time product and pretty unconventional. I like the nice, heavy material that makes it easy to wrap around my baby to keep him warm after getting out of the water. The directions online say you need to air dry it, but I just put it on tumble dry low and haven’t had problems yet.
Gingham Nursery Hooded Towel–
We received this as a gift and LOVE it. Hooded towels are must to keep baby warm and happy after a bath. Ours came personalized with Remy’s name!
5. Bathing Accessory for Parent:Aquatopia Deluxe Safety Easy Bath Kneeler
I knew I would need something to “save my knees” while bathing Remy in the tub because we have hard floors in our bathroom. Even though you can lay towels down beforehand, I wanted something that would be more efficient for set-up. If you plan on bathing with your baby, you may not need this. Obviously, I was discouraged from bathing with Remy due to the “incident” that occurred.
6. Brush and/or Comb:Summer Infant Complete Nursery Care Kit
When I first received this Summer Infant product, the first thought that came to mind was my childhood “doctor” care kit for my baby dolls. It seems pretty corny and a little cheap. I’m actually surprised how often I’ve used things from it, especially the comb it came with. It’s a nice item to have around, just in case.
7. Rinser: Skip Hop Moby Bath Tear-Free Waterfall Rinser
Although a cup can work as a rinser, it’s much better to have a product that is lightweight and controls the flow of the water for your newborn. This Skip Hop Rinser provides for a tear-free easy way to rinse your newborn’s head that allows for more accuracy and a sprinkle of water. It’s also easy to grip and hang to dry, if needed. Plus, it’s super cute, don’t you think?
8. Nasal Aspirator: Fridababy NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator
I don’t know about you, but after I nice hot bath or shower, I feel like I need to clear my nasal cavity. Same may be true for your baby! After bath time is my chance to get any nasty little baby boogers that may be residing in my son’s nostrils.
The Nose Frida is one of the strangest and best products I’ve owned as a new mom. It’s a unique way to suck out your baby’s boogers, making it much easier for baby to breathe.
Every mom LOVES the Nose Frida. It’s kind of weird, but we get some creepy satisfaction of sucking snot! You may also want to purchase a saline spray to further loosen the boogies! I use and love this Boogie Mist Sterile Saline Nasal Spray
What’s Purposefully Missing From This List?
A Temperature Reader
I had originally purchased the 4Moms Spout Cover that reads the temperature of the water. After receiving it, and double checking reviews prior to using, I decided people were not happy enough with the product for me to validate holding on to it.
Next I tried the Munchkin White Hot Safety Duck that turns a certain color on the bottom if the water is too hot. Well, we tried it out before bathing our son and for lack of better words, it sucks and is highly inaccurate.
We now just do the elbow test. If the water feels too hot for your elbow, it’s too hot for your baby! Good news, your elbow doesn’t cost any money.
Bathing Your Newborn in a Nutshell
So that’s it. After my initial experience with my baby’s first bath, I know I needed to narrow down the items I had on hand during the next one. Not only does the list above provide you with the baby bath time essentials, but it includes specific products that I use each and every time I bathe my little one. As your baby grows, there will be more to add to your list, but until then, stick to the necessities!
For other necessities and modern mom products, download my FREE baby registry checklist below. Trust me, it’s awesome!
What products do you use on your newborn? Do you have any “Oh brother!” items for baby bath time? Comment below, and don’t forget to share this helpful baby gear post.
Need help with that other super important time to be prepared? Check out my post on the essential items necessary to make diapering changing a (smelly) breeze here.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks