A care routine can be a small pause in a very full day: a clean towel, a familiar voice and everything you need within reach.
Keep the earliest days simple.
NHS guidance recommends plain water for a baby’s skin during the first month and avoiding lotions and oils until at least one month old. Ask your paediatrician for advice about your own baby, especially for premature babies or skin concerns.
Prepare first. Stay beside them.
Have bathing essentials ready, check the water temperature and never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for a moment.
Let the label guide you.
For any skin product, read the ingredients, age suitability and directions. Stop using a product if it causes irritation and seek medical advice for persistent or concerning symptoms.
Source: NHS — Bathing your baby. Accessed 29 September 2026.