24 hours after my son was born, it was time for his first bath. This, I learned, is a big newborn deal. I had no idea this was such a major rite of passage, but, it turns out, I wasn’t completely wrong.
Prior to 2017, it was pretty common practice to bathe a baby fairly soon after birth. Birth, bath, bond, boom! Recent research has shown that not only is it okay to wait to bathe, but that the delay is really beneficial for both baby and mom. Studies have shown that babies that were bathed 14 hours after birth were less likely to have issues controlling their temperature and blood sugar levels and tended to be more successful in breastfeeding.
HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS
Stokke® Flexi Bath® Tub and Newborn Support Set
$64.99
If your house is like mine and you have two full showers and zero bathtubs, this is a great option for you. This bathing tub is foldable, easily transportable (AKA good for travel) and is great for newborns and kids up to age four.
Lil Rinser by Splash Guard
$9.99
They call it rinse and run technology, but I call it a godsend. This handy splash guard keeps water and soap out of your baby’s eyes and mouth and keeps never-ending whining out of your ears. Everybody wins!
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub
$39.99
Moms in my network rave about this Fisher-Price tub. Durable and flexible, it grows with your baby from that first newborn bath all the way to that roomy toddler tub time.
