Tips for Babies Who Don’t Like Baths!

For many parents, bath time with their baby is imagined as a joyful bonding moment, just like the ones you see on the TV adverts. But the reality? Some babies just don’t love baths – and that’s really normal! If your little one fusses and cries, and bath time feels far more stressful than a calm and relaxing time… you’re not alone.

Bathing your baby doesn’t have to be a stressful event for either of you. Below, I’ll share practical tips which I use with clients all the time, to make the experience more manageable or avoid it altogether (yes, really!). These ideas are rooted in keeping your baby happy, warm, and secure, and they might just save you a lot of frustration.

1) Don’t do it

Let’s start with the most important but of info: You don’t have to bathe your baby every day. In fact, during colder months or if your baby finds bath time distressing, it’s perfectly fine to skip the baths entirely.

Why It’s Okay:

• Babies don’t sweat or get dirty like adults do. A quick wipe down – often called “topping and tailing” – is enough to keep them clean.

• Overbathing can dry out your baby’s delicate skin, especially in winter when the air is drier.

• Many cultures don’t bathe newborns for weeks, focusing instead on keeping them warm and calm.

How to Top and Tail:

• Use a soft, warm cloth to gently clean your baby’s face, neck folds, and nappy area.

• Warm water is usually sufficient, but you can add a small amount of baby-friendly soap if needed.

Some parents wait until their baby is a month old for the first bath, and that’s completely fine. Listen to your instincts – and your baby!

2) Choose the right time

Who says baths have to be in the evening? If your baby is cranky or overtired in the evenings, introducing a bath into their routine might feel like an overwhelming chore for both of you.

Why Timing Matters:

• Many babies have a “witching hour” in the evenings, making them more irritable and less likely to enjoy a bath.

• Mornings or midday can be a calmer, happier time for babies, making bath time more enjoyable.

• Adjusting the timing gives you the chance to experiment and discover what works best for your family.

Tips for Finding the Right Time:

• Observe your baby’s natural rhythm. When are they most relaxed and content?

• Try incorporating a bath after a nap or feed when your baby is calm and not hungry.

• If evening baths are a tradition you’d like to keep, ensure your baby is well-rested and fed beforehand.

And remember, if baths are still a no-go, there’s no harm in skipping them (see tip one again!).

3) Make the environment cosy

A big reason babies might dislike baths is the abrupt change in temperature. The transition from a warm bath to a cool room can feel shocking to their tiny bodies, especially in winter.

How to Create a Warm Space:

• Heat the room where you’ll dry and dress your baby. A small space heater can work wonders.

• Keep a soft towel or muslin handy to wrap your baby immediately after the bath.

• Avoid drafts by closing doors and windows before bath time.

Wet Hair Tip:

• If your baby has hair, wet strands can make them feel colder. Wrap their head in a soft towel or muslin to help them retain heat after the bath.

A little extra warmth can go a long way in making your baby feel secure and comfortable.

4) Try wrapping baby during the bath

One trick that can transform bath time for babies who feel overwhelmed is wrapping them in a soft muslin or towel while they’re in the bath. This technique can make them feel more secure and help them stay warm in the water.

Why It Works:

• The snugness of the wrap mimics the feeling of being swaddled, which many babies find comforting.

• It reduces the sensation of being exposed, which can feel overwhelming for newborns.

How to Do It:

• Use a lightweight, breathable muslin cloth or a thin towel.

• Wrap your baby loosely, leaving their arms free to splash and explore.

• Immerse them gently in the warm bath water, ensuring the muslin stays wet.

This technique is particularly helpful for newborns and can make bath time feel like a soothing, womb-like experience.

5) Get in the bath with your baby

If your baby dislikes baths, co-bathing can transform the experience into a soothing and bonding moment for both of you. Sharing the bath not only calms your little one but also strengthens your connection through skin-to-skin contact.

Why Co-Bathing Works:

• Skin-to-Skin Comfort: When your baby feels the warmth of your skin, it helps regulate their body temperature and soothes them. Skin-to-skin also promotes the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which helps both of you relax.

• Emotional Security: Being held in the arms of someone they trust makes your baby feel safe and secure. This can ease the fear and discomfort they may associate with bath time.

• Familiarity and Warmth: Sharing the bath means your baby isn’t alone in the water, which can be a scary experience for them. Your presence helps to reassure them and make the bath feel less overwhelming.

How to Co-Bathe Safely:

• Prepare the Bath: Ensure the water is comfortably warm but not too hot. Aim for around 37°C (98.6°F), which is close to body temperature.

• Use a Supportive Position: Sit in the bath with your baby cradled against your chest or lying across your thighs. Keep their head above water at all times.

• Have Essentials Within Reach: Before you get in, set out a towel, muslin cloth, and any other items you’ll need so you don’t have to reach for them later.

• Partner Assistance: If possible, have someone nearby to help you in and out of the bath, especially when handling a slippery baby.

Co-bathing not only makes bath time more enjoyable but also provides a chance to unwind and bond with your baby in a cosy, comforting way.

Bonus: Baby Massage After Co-Bathing

After a co-bath, take the opportunity to give your baby a gentle massage. Their muscles are already relaxed from the warm water, making it the perfect time for soothing strokes that help them wind down. If you’d like to learn more about baby massage, why not join one of my classes in Notting Hill, West London? These sessions offer a warm, supportive space to bond with your baby while learning techniques that promote relaxation and better sleep.

By trying co-bathing, you can create a more positive association with water for your little one – and enjoy some peaceful moments together in the process.

How My Postnatal Doula Services Can Help

As a postnatal doula in Notting Hill, I understand how challenging bath time – and parenting in general – can feel. Whether your baby hates baths or you’re simply feeling overwhelmed, I’m here to provide hands-on support and guidance tailored to your family’s needs.

What I Can Offer:

• Practical help: From handling bath time to guiding you through gentle alternatives.

• Emotional support: A listening ear for all your concerns, no matter how big or small.

• Expert guidance: Tips and tricks to make everyday tasks easier for both you and your baby.

And if you’re looking for an activity to help your baby relax and bond, my baby massage classes offer just that. Held in a warm, cosy setting, these classes are designed to empower parents with techniques to soothe and connect with their babies.

Final Thoughts

Bath time doesn’t have to be a stressful event for you or your baby. By embracing alternatives, adjusting your routine, and creating a warm, calming environment, you can make it a more enjoyable experience – or skip it altogether without guilt.

Remember, this phase is temporary, and there’s no “right” way to do it. The most important thing is finding what works for you and your baby.

If you’re in Notting Hill or West London and need support during the early weeks of parenthood, whether it’s bath time or beyond, I’d love to help. Reach out to book me as your postnatal doula or join one of my baby massage classes. Together, we’ll make this journey smoother, calmer, and more joyful.