7 Tips for a Stress-Free Bathtime Routine

Bathtime can be one of the sweetest parts of your day — or one of the most stressful. Some little ones love to splash and play, while others dread the tub. No matter where your baby or toddler falls on the spectrum, creating a calm, playful routine can help bath time feel like a joy instead of a chore.

Baby & Toddler Bathtime Tips

Here are some simple ways to reduce stress (for you and your child!) and make bath time something you both look forward to.

1. Create a Calm Environment

Start by making the space warm and inviting. Newborns, in particular, are sensitive to temperature changes and bright lights.

• Keep the bathroom warm and draft-free.
  
  
• Dim the lights or use a nightlight for a softer atmosphere.
  
  
• Put on calming music or sing a soothing song.

Tip: For babies who dislike the transition into water, try swaddle bathing—wrapping them in a soft cloth and slowly lowering them into the bath to help them feel secure.

2. Make It Fun With Playful Activities

If you're looking for ways to make bath time fun for toddlers, simple activities and toys go a long way. You don’t need fancy gadgets — DIY bath activities and your child’s imagination can create plenty of entertainment.

Try these ideas:

• Cup play: Give them plastic or silicone cups, measuring spoons, or colanders to scoop and pour.
  
  
• Foam letters or animals: Stick them to the sides of the tub and practice naming shapes or animals.
  
  
• DIY bath activities: Freeze small waterproof toys in ice cubes for your child to melt in the tub, or make bath “paint” by mixing baby-safe soap with a little cornstarch and food coloring.
  
  

3. Keep Newborn Bath Time Short & Sweet

For parents wondering how to make bath time fun for newborns, the key is simplicity. Newborns don’t need entertainment—just the comfort of your voice and touch.

• Talk softly or sing to reassure them.
  
  
• Pour warm water over their belly to keep them cozy.
  
  
• Use your hand or a soft cloth instead of a rough washcloth.
  
  

4. Have Essentials Within Reach 

The last thing you want is to leave your little one unattended while grabbing a towel. Prep your space with:

• Towels and washcloths
  
  
• A clean diaper and lotion nearby
  
  
• Pajamas or cozy clothes ready to go
  
  

5. Bathe Less Often

Believe it or not, babies don’t need to bathe every day. In fact, pediatricians warn that bathing too often can dry out their delicate skin and disrupt their natural skin microbiome. 

For most toddlers, three baths per week is plenty. Newborns need even fewer—think sponge baths every few days unless there's a mess that needs cleaning.

Fewer baths mean less for you to manage and more time for relaxing evening routines without the hustle. On non-bath days, a quick wipe-down with a gentle cleanser like NOLEO 3-in-1 Diaper Care keeps your baby’s skin clean and moisturized without stripping away protective oils.

6. Build a Predictable Routine

Young kids thrive on predictability. Over time, your bathtime routine will become a familiar part of their rhythm. Try this flow:

1. Announce bathtime with a song or cue word.
   
   
2. Warm up the room.
   
   
3. Play and wash.
   
   
4. Rinse, dry, moisturize, and dress.
   
   
5. End with a snuggle or bedtime story.

7. Follow Their Lead

Finally, meet your little one where they’re at. Some days they’ll want to play for ages. Others, they’ll want in and out. You don’t need to force a perfect bathtime every night. The goal is to make it enjoyable and positive.

A Little Prep = A Lot Less Stress

Whether you're soothing a newborn or entertaining a wiggly toddler, a little planning can turn bathtime into a calm, connected part of your day. Keep it simple, keep it safe, and most of all—keep it fun.