I’ll be honest, bath time used to feel like a bit of a scramble. Now it’s one of the best parts of our day. It’s a chance to slow down, connect, and soak up those sweet little moments (sometimes literally). And honestly, is there anything better than a clean, cozy baby? But it wasn’t always this peaceful. I discovered that with the right setup and a few helpful products, bath time can transition from a total splash zone to a calming little ritual that we both look forward to.
We went straight to the real pros: our Real Moms. We asked for their best bath time tips and tricks, and they definitely delivered. From simple routines to game-changing products, these are our favorite mom-tested ideas that helped turn bath time from a flustered splash into something way more zen.
Infant bath seat and transition bath seat available at Amazon
The Right Tub Makes All the Difference
Figuring out the proper bath setup for your baby can feel like a total aha moment. I tried a few different tubs before finding the one that actually worked best. One we’ve really loved is the Summer by Ingenuity Infant Bath Seat. It was perfect when my baby was a newborn. It’s super supportive, easy to set up, and way more comforting than just floating around in the tub. You can pop it into the sink or the tub, which is great for your back and your peace of mind. As your baby gets bigger, you’ll want something with a little more room to splash. One bonus: you can easily fold it up when it’s not in use.
Real Mom Alexia shared, “My son hated bath time until I switched to a tub that supported him well. Now it’s his favorite part of the day.”
Once your baby is sitting up on their own, Summer also makes a great bath seat for that stage. It’s perfect for babies who are ready to enjoy a proper bubble bath.
Keep It Simple with a Baby Wash That Does It All
When it comes to a baby’s skin, less really is more. I’ve tried a few different soaps and washes, but Happy Cappy Hair & Body Wash has been our favorite. It’s gentle, tear-free, and a total lifesaver once your baby starts grabbing the washcloth and rubbing their own face. I love that it works for both hair and body, which cuts down on clutter and makes things feel a little simpler. They also offer a medicated version, which completely cleared up my son’s cradle cap and dry skin.
My friend and fellow mom, Rachel G., said, “My daughter has sensitive skin, and Happy Cappy has been the only thing that hasn’t dried her out.”
Finding one product you can truly count on takes so much of the guesswork out of bath time. It makes the whole routine feel easier and more manageable.
The Right Washcloth Changes Everything
I didn’t think much about washcloths at first, until I realized how many of them were irritating my baby’s skin. Once I switched to Honest Co Organic Washcloths, I could feel the difference right away. They’re ultra-soft, perfectly sized, and just right for gentle wiping during and after baths.
Real Mom Quinn shared, “We always warm a washcloth ahead of time so that as soon as we put our baby in the bath, we spread a cloth on their belly for warmth.”
I couldn’t agree more. We go through at least two washcloths every bath, which is why I love this big pack from Honest.
It’s such a simple change, but it makes bath time and all the little cleanups in between so much more comfortable for your baby.
Warm Everything Before You Start
If your baby starts shivering the second you lift them out of the water, you’re not alone. One of the easiest ways to make bath time smoother is to warm things up before you even begin. Think: the bath water, the towel, and the washcloth.
One of my favorite tricks is tossing the towel and pajamas into the dryer while the bath runs. If you have a towel warmer, even better. It might sound like a luxury, but it’s actually super practical. Warm, cozy essentials help keep your baby comfortable and avoid those chilly post-bath tears.
Real Mom Jen M. shared, “I started warming the towel after my daughter cried every time I lifted her out of the tub. It’s a total game changer!”
Bubbles and Bath Books available at Amazon
Make Bath Time Fun and Easy
When it comes to bath toys, less really is more, especially when your little one is still getting used to the water. We started with just a couple of Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles, and they’ve been the perfect introduction to water play. They float, rattle, and spin, which keeps my baby engaged without being too much. Best of all, they’re sealed, so you don’t have to worry about mold building up inside. I learned that lesson the hard way with other toys.
We also absolutely love our Waterproof Bath Books. They are colorful and completely waterproof, and the texture is great for teething. Real Mom Pamela told us that her daughter loves waterproof bath books and still uses them at age two!
A few other extras have made bath time even better for us. We love the Munchkin non-slip bath mat and the soap rinser cup for a gentler rinse. The Baby Control the Flow Sprayer is another one of our favorites. It makes washing their hair a whole lot easier.
Make the Transition from Tub to Towel Extra Cozy
Once your baby’s out of the tub, you’ve got about 30 seconds before they go from smiley to squirmy if you’re not ready. I lay everything out ahead of time — diaper, lotion, our favorite pajamas, and a warm towel — so I can scoop them up and go straight into post-bath cuddles. A soft landing after the bath, like this baby bath cushion, also helps your baby feel cozy and supported while you dry them off and dress them. It turns what used to be a wiggly, chilly moment into something calm and comforting.
My favorite towel is this bamboo hooded one. It’s buttery-soft, super absorbent, and generously sized, so you won’t have to wrestle to keep it wrapped around a slippery baby. Real Mom Shannon said the bamboo towels feel like a spa blanket, and I couldn’t agree more.
Those snuggles after a warm bath, with a clean and sleepy baby wrapped up like a burrito, are the moments I’ll remember forever.
Take It Slow and Enjoy the Bath Time Routine
When I stopped treating bath time as just another task to check off the list and started seeing it as a wind-down ritual, everything changed. We move slowly, talk softly, and follow the same pattern every evening: bath, snuggles, lotion massage, PJs, milk, then story time. Our pediatrician called it the four B’s of the evening: bath, books, bottle (or breast), and bed. It’s a rhythm that helps my baby understand that bedtime is near, and honestly, it helps me decompress, too.
Real Mom Emilee put it perfectly: “It’s the one part of the day where my baby and I both slow down. No screens, no distractions, just warm water and a calm, happy baby.”
Even when the day has been messy or exhausting, a calming bath can be a reset for both of us.
Bath time doesn’t have to be stressful, and you don’t need a bathroom full of fancy gadgets. A few well-chosen products and a little preparation can go a long way in creating a soothing and joyful experience that your baby will look forward to— and so will you. Whether you’re just starting out or finding your groove, I hope these tips bring you more ease, confidence, and plenty of sweet giggles to your evenings.
Featured Image Courtesy of Walmart
