The easiest way to bathe a newborn that cannot hold its own head up yet is in a baby bathtub purchased at the store. Fill it about a quarter to half full with warm water. You don’t want it hot, luke warm is fine. Undress the baby once the tub is ready.

Set the baby down slowly and easily in the water, keeping one of your hands/arms under the baby’s head to support it and keep it above the water. Using your other hand, gently wash the baby with a very soft cloth and a small amount of baby soap if you like. Start with the feet and work your way up, washing the head last. Body heat is lost through the head quicker than anywhere else, so always do baby’s head last to prevent it from becoming chilled.

Once your baby has been washed and rinsed off, carefully lift it from the tub with both hands, and lay into a soft towel and pat the skin dry. Baby skin can be very delicate and soft, so don’t rub vigorously, soft patting works just fine. Using a lotion specially made for baby’s sensitive skin is a good idea to keep their skin soft and moisturized and prevent it from drying and becoming itchy. Dress the baby immediately, or swaddle tightly to keep warm!

You can find many baby bathing products in lavender scents especially for bedtime. Lavender is known to be a very calming and soothing scent for babies, and can make bath time before bed a beautiful and soothing nightly ritual to prepare your new little one for a night of peaceful sleep and good dreams. Both parents and pediatricians alike agree that bath time is an important part of a nightly ritual for baby, and is also a beautiful bonding experience between mother and child.