Make bathtime a safe, soothing & joyful experience with our complete guide to baby bathing & grooming essentials
Bringing home your newborn baby is an incredibly special time filled with memorable moments, and bath time is one of the sweetest. From soft skin to delicate hair, every baby deserves the gentlest care, so having the right essentials for a newborn makes all the difference.
Whether you’re creating a calming bath routine before bed or managing your little one’s grooming needs, knowing which bathing and grooming products to reach for is key. In this guide, we’ve gathered the must-have baby essentials to help you feel confident and prepared, with safe, soothing products designed for every little angel.
Tips for baby bathing & grooming
Create a soothing bath time routine
Bath time is an opportunity to calm your baby and introduce them to a relaxing end-of-day ritual. Start by filling a baby bath with warm water at the perfect temperature (around 37°C), keeping your baby’s head clear of the water, and gently wash them using a mild cleanser like Boots Baby Head to Toe Wash. Have soft towels, like the Maybe Baby Bear Hooded Towel, ready for a cosy wrap-up.
Babies should never be left unattended in a bath.
Handle common baby grooming challenges
Newborn nails can be sharp and grow quickly, making nail care essential. Use safe, baby-specific nail clippers or scissors and carefully smooth out any rough edges using an emery board. For gentle cleaning of small areas, JOHNSON'S® Baby Cotton Buds can be helpful for reaching in between little fingers and toes without irritation.
Maintain hygiene & cleanliness
Regular bathing and skincare are essential to keep your baby’s skin soft and protected. Daily use of a gentle moisturiser like AVEENO® Baby Daily Care Moisturising Lotion can help prevent dryness, while a light dusting with JOHNSON'S® Baby Natural Cornstarch Powder can keep your baby feeling comfortable and fresh.
Choosing high-quality & safe products
The importance of hypoallergenic products
Your little one’s skin is oh-so-delicate, so choosing hypoallergenic products is a great choice to avoid irritation or allergic reactions. JOHNSON'S® Baby Shampoo is hypoallergenic and formulated to be as gentle to the eyes as pure water – so no more bathtime tears!
Trusted brands & product certifications
Choose trusted brands with expert-led, baby-specific formulas, like Sudocrem, Nala’s Baby and JOHNSON'S®. They’re beloved by parents and families, and made to meet strict safety standards for your peace of mind.
Must-have baby bathing basics
Safe & gentle baby shampoos & soaps
Pure & gentle
Try: Boots Baby Head to Toe Wash
• Size: 500ml
• Tear-free, mild formula
For bath time bliss, look no further. Boots Baby Head to Toe Wash is gentle on skin and eyes, making it perfect for newborns. Its tear-free formula lets you wash and rinse with ease – just add kisses, snuggles and a towel!
Fuss-free clean
Try: JOHNSON'S® Baby Shampoo
• Size: 500ml
• Hypoallergenic & tear-free
Time to lather up! JOHNSON'S® Baby Shampoo is made for baby’s fine hair and sensitive skin, featuring a NO MORE TEARS® formula to keep bath time tear-free. Gentle enough for every wash, it leaves baby’s hair soft, shiny and squeaky clean.
Bath supports & seats for newborns
Baby bath time bliss
Try: Nuby Newborn Baby Bath
• Features an anti-slip base & soft foam headrest
• Safe & secure design
For a worry-free bath, choose Nuby’s Newborn Baby Bath. With an anti-slip base, soft foam headrest and easy-grip handles, it’s designed for safe, happy bath times, right from birth.
Baby powder
Fresh as a daisy
Try: JOHNSON'S® Baby Natural Cornstarch Powder
• Size: 200g
• Keeps skin dry & smooth
A sprinkle of this cornstarch powder keeps baby’s skin dry, smooth, and fresh, meaning no more post-bath dampness – just cloud-like comfort. JOHNSON'S® Cornstarch Powder is ultra-gentle, so you can pop it on without a worry.
Soothing lotions, creams & oils
Gentle protection
Try: Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Nappy Cream
• Size: 125g
• Water-repellent base
• Always read the label
Say goodbye to nappy rash. Sudocrem’s Antiseptic Healing Cream is like a mini shield for your baby’s skin, fending off irritants while calming delicate areas. Just a dab is all you need to create a long-lasting, protective layer, giving you peace of mind for every change.
Soft & smooth
Try: AVEENO® Baby Daily Care Moisturising Lotion
• Size: 250ml
• Oat-powered moisture
Moisture that lasts all day? Yes, please! AVEENO® Baby Daily Care Moisturising Lotion is enriched with oat extract, nourishing every inch of baby’s skin without a hint of greasiness. Keep their skin irresistibly soft with one simple step.
Sweet dreams
Try: Nala's Baby Nighttime Oil Vanilla Cloud
• Size: 200ml
• 99% naturally-derived ingredients
Drift into dreamland with Nala’s Baby Nighttime Oil. Infused with apricot and lavender, this oil is perfect for pre-bed baby massages. Silky and soothing, it’s just the thing for sweet, calming bedtime cuddles.
Defence mode
Try: Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment
• Size: 100g
• No-nonsense barrier
Bepanthen has got your back – or your baby’s bottom, to be exact. This transparent ointment shields sensitive skin against chafing, irritation and nappy rash. Plus, with the easy-to-use design, you can flip the top, squeeze the tube, and protect baby’s skin with just one hand.
Top baby grooming tools
Baby cotton buds & sponges
Precision perfect
Try: JOHNSON'S® Baby Cotton Buds
• Pack size: 200 buds
• 100% pure cotton tips
Tiny fingers, toes, and folds? JOHNSON'S® Baby Cotton Buds are up for the task. These soft, gentle cotton buds are ideal for getting into all those hard-to-reach places, keeping baby fresh and clean with every swipe.
Trim & tidy
Try: Tommee Tippee Electric Baby Nail File Trimmer
• Includes multiple file heads for different ages
• Quiet & gentle
Say goodbye to nail-trimming worries with the Tommee Tippee Electric Nail File. This gentle electric trimmer is designed to keep little nails neat and tidy without a single fuss or tear. Ideal for even the wriggliest little ones!
Safety tips for bathing & grooming
Proper water temperature for baby baths
Babies can easily overheat, so keep the water at a comfortable temperature (about 37°C). Always test the water with your elbow or a thermometer before lowering your baby into the tub.
Safe storage of grooming tools
Store items like nail clippers and scissors in a secure place, out of reach of little hands. Many grooming kits come with cases for easy and safe storage.
Convenience & practicality
Compact & travel-friendly grooming kits
Look for portable baby healthcare and grooming kits, like the Tommee Tippee Healthcare Kit, that include all the essentials you’ll need for on-the-go care.
Multi-purpose products for convenience
Go for multi-tasking formulas, like Nala's Baby Nighttime Oil Vanilla Cloud. Not only does it moisturise skin, it also serves as a calming pre-bed massage oil for your little bundle of joy.
Easy-to-clean & durable materials
For items you’ll reach for again and again, durability is key. Choose products that are easy to wash and sanitise, such as Nuby Newborn Baby Bath and Boots Baby 2 Baby Sponges. These are designed for frequent, daily use and will stand the test of time.
Now that you’re ready to buy the best baby essentials for bathtime, why not explore some more baby gear buyer’s guides? From car seats to pushchairs, we have all the expert advice to help you make an optimal choice.
