10 of the best newborn baby baths 2024
WHAT IS A BABY BATH?
A baby bath or bath support is a place where you can safely and easily bathe your baby.
Do you need a baby bath?
They are very useful but the alternatives are to use a sink, or washing-up bowl or just top and tail your baby with cotton wool and warm water on a towel or changing mat.
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF BATHTUBS FOR NEWBORNS
Standalone baths
These are good if you don’t have an adult bath or don’t want to be leaning over your own bath. They can also be used in a room that is warmer than the bathroom.
A bucket bath is a standalone bath where the baby is supported and submerged up to their shoulders. They require less water than a baby bath.
It’s also possible to buy bathing units. This will either be a bath on a stand or a dual bathing/changing unit with storage underneath. Those with bad backs may appreciate this option.
Support baths
These are used in a normal adult bath, which is filled to a certain level. They support your baby in the bath leaving your hands free. The baby is only partially submerged in the water and they’re usually used up to 6 months old.
WHEN CAN YOU BATHE A NEWBORN?
Some say you should wait until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off but the World Health Organisation just advises that you should wait at least six hours after birth before bathing a newborn and preferably 24 hours. The NHS make no special recommendations about when to bathe a baby but they do suggest that cleansers are not used in the first month as plain water is best for their skin.
How often should you bathe a newborn?
The general consensus is that 2-3 times a week is enough to keep your baby clean. But if you both enjoy it, there’s no reason why you can’t do it every day. For newborns that hate baths, you could top and tail them instead. This means using warm water and cotton wool to clean their face, neck, hands and bottom.
What temperature should the water be?
The official NHS advice is to make sure the water is not too hot or too cold and to test it with your wrist or elbow and ensure the water is mixed well so that there are no hot spots. If you want to be sure it’s the right temperature, you could use a bath thermometer. The water should be 36.5 - 38°C. Ensure the room is warm and a towel is close to hand as newborns lose heat very quickly.
7 things to try if your newborn baby hates baths
Just top and tail them on a towel or changing mat.
Get in the bath with your baby.
Use a smaller bathing area like a sink or a small standalone or bucket bath.
Make sure the room is warm enough. It should be at least 21˚C.
Distract them with songs.
Try bathing your baby when they’re not too cold or hungry.
FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN CHOOSING A BABY BATH
Comfort
Ideally, you want your baby to enjoy their bath, so look out for baths with features relating to comfort. For example, a soft foam backrest like the Snuggle or the flexible material of the Angelcare support, which quickly warms up.
Safety
Babies should never be left alone in the bath. But anti-slip features will make sure they are always kept in place above the water level so that you don’t have to always hold them. A water level indicator on the bath could also be useful.
Water usage
Baby baths that use less water are not only better for the environment but they will retain their temperature for longer.
Plugs
If choosing a standalone bath, a plug and drainage will help you easily release the water at the end or if you need to refresh it.
Longevity
Many newborn baths are only suitable for up to 6 months old but you could save money by buying one with a longer lifespan.
Storage
If you don’t have a lot of space, pick one with a hook to hang it up.
WHICH ARE THE BEST BABY BATHS?
Here are 10 of the best baths for newborns plus a clever way to reduce the amount of water you use in the bath.
HOW WERE THEY SELECTED?
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 6 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Shnuggle baby bath
Why buy this bath?
This is an award-winning and best-selling bucket bath with a soft foam backrest for comfort.
Key features
Suitable from newborn to 12 months old.
The bum bump can support even very small babies.
Its compact size means the water stays warmer for longer and it only uses 2 litres of water.
Has a plug so you can easily release and refresh the water.
Available in blue, pink and grey.
2. Skip Hop Moby Smart Sling 3 stage bath
Why buy this bath?
This grows with your baby from a fully supported newborn to a sitting child (up to 9.5kg/25lbs).
Key features
A standalone bath with a plug.
Features a hook to hang it when not in use.
3. Boots Baby Bath
Why buy this bath?
This is one of the cheapest baby baths available.
Key features
It’s a standalone bath and can be used from newborn until 18 months old.
Rounded smooth edges.
Indents for storing soap and sponges/washcloths.
It has a plug and drainage hole.
4. Rotho Babydesign Top And Tail Bowl
Why buy this?
It’s a good value bowl for topping and tailing your baby.
Key features
Has two compartments for clean and soapy water.
Includes an integrated soap dish.
30 x 28 x 10 cm
Available in a wide variety of colours.
Made in Germany.
5. Aquascale Digital baby bath
Why buy this bath?
This bath has a digital scale for easy weighing of your baby. A memory function helps you track their growth.
Key features
It also has a built-in thermometer.
It has anti-slip support for newborns but can be used up until 2 years old.
6. Angelcare Soft-touch bath support
Why buy this bath?
This is an award-winning, ergonomically designed bath support that is placed in the bath.
Key features
Perfect for newborns as the soft, flexible material quickly warms up.
Available in pink, blue and grey.
Can be hung up when not in use and dries quickly.
Features a water level indicator.
Suitable from newborn until around six months old or 9kg/20 lb.
7. Nuby baby bath
Why buy this bath?
This is a good value standalone bath with an anti-slip base, a seat to keep your baby in position and a soft foam headrest.
Key features
It has a soft plug so it can be easily drained afterwards.
This can be used from birth.
Features a water level indicator.
8. ClevaMama ClevaBath Baby Sink Bath
Why buy this bath?
This turns any sink into a baby bath, which is great if you don’t have a bathtub, for holidays or if you don’t want to be bending over.
Key features
It has a soft, extendable base and non-slip extendable arms to ensure it fits most sinks.
It cradles and protects your baby during the bath.
There is bum support which can be can removed as your baby gets bigger.
The base is perforated to make draining the water much easier.
Mould and mildew-resistant.
Folds flat for travel and storage.
It can be used from birth until around 12 months old or 9kg.
9. Baby elegance bath changing unit
Why buy this bath?
This is a 2-in-1 unit for bathing and changing a baby. It’s great if you don’t want to be leaning over a bath but also dont want to use the sink.
Key features
The padded top has raised edges and is perfect for nappy changes.
Beneath is a concealed bath with a drainage tube to make it easy to empty. The bath can also be removed.
The bath is suitable from birth but doesn’t have any kind of inbuilt newborn support.
It can be used until a baby is 15kg.
It is great if you have a bad back and don’t want to bend over a bath.
There is also plenty of storage for bathing and changing essentials.
Lockable wheels mean you can easily move the unit.
Measure H100 x W82 x D55cm.
10. Stokke Flexi bath
Why buy this bath?
This baby bath is foldable so great for small homes or travel.
Key features
It can be used from newborn with the newborn support (often sold separately) until four years old.
The plug is heat sensitive so you can easily see if the water is too hot or cold.
Measures H35 x W24 x L66cm.
BabyDam Bathwater Barrier
This converts your bath into a smaller baby bath.
You only fill a small section of the bath, which saves many litres of water.
It can be used from newborn to toddler.
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