Newborns do not need daily baths, 2-3 times a week is plenty in the early weeks. When you do bathe them, plain water is fine for the first month. After that, use fragrance-free, pH-neutral baby wash.
Our Pick
Stokke Flexibath with Newborn Support
~£45–£55 (bath) / ~£90–£120 (Newborn Stand Bundle)
✓ Pros: Folds completely flat for storage (10cm thick), lasts from newborn to 4 years, optional newborn support for hands-free bathing, heat-sensitive drain plug, optional stand for comfortable height, excellent durability
✗ Cons: Newborn Support and stand are sold separately (adds to total cost), larger than compact newborn-only baths, slightly heavier than basic plastic baths
Where to buy: Stokke direct, John Lewis, Natural Baby Shower
Kokoso Baby Organic Coconut Oil
~£10–£14 (190ml)
✓ Pros: Multi-use (moisturiser, cradle cap, nappy cream, massage), organic, fragrance-free, UK brand, paediatrician approved
✗ Cons: Oil-based so can stain fabrics, not a soap substitute
Where to buy: Amazon, kokoso.co.uk, Natural Baby Shower
Childs Farm Baby Wash
~£4–£6 (500ml)
✓ Pros: Gentle formula, dermatologist and paediatrician approved, great value, widely available, UK brand
✗ Cons: Fragranced versions may not suit very sensitive newborn skin (stick with unfragranced)
Where to buy: Boots, Superdrug, Amazon, most supermarkets
Tommee Tippee Healthcare Kit
~£18–£25
✓ Pros: Complete 9-piece kit in one purchase, quality digital thermometer included, good value, practical carry case
✗ Cons: You may not use every item, some parents prefer standalone nail scissors over clippers
Where to buy: Amazon, Boots, Argos
Cuddledry Handsfree Baby Bath Towel
~£30–£35
✓ Pros: Hands-free apron design (clips around your neck), bamboo-cotton blend is incredibly soft, very absorbent, machine washable
✗ Cons: More expensive than standard hooded towels
Where to buy: Amazon, John Lewis, cuddledry.com
What we'd tell a friend
The Stokke Flexibath is the one we bought for our own babies. It folds flat, lasts for years, and with the newborn support you can bathe them hands-free from day one. Kokoso coconut oil handles about four different jobs in one jar. Get the Tommee Tippee healthcare kit for the thermometer and nail clippers alone. And the Cuddledry towel is one of those products you do not realise you need until you have tried bathing a baby solo for the first time.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I bathe a newborn?
Two to three times a week is plenty. On non-bath days, topping and tailing (face, neck folds, hands, nappy area with warm water and cotton wool) is enough.
What temperature should baby bath water be?
Around 37 degrees Celsius. NHS guidance says to always test with your elbow or a bath thermometer. Never leave a baby unattended in water, even for a second.
What toiletries does a newborn need?
Very little. Plain water is fine for the first month. After that, use a fragrance-free, pH-neutral baby wash. Coconut oil (like Kokoso) handles moisturising, cradle cap, nappy cream, and massage in one product.
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