Ahhh bath time. Tricky, tricky bath time. It took us quite some time to become comfortable with bathing our firstborn. Bathing a newborn with zero head control, who hated being naked and cold was a two-man job for a while. This Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub is low-cost, fun, and necessary for the 3-7 month infant. I will break down the stages of bathing by approximate age and development, but it REALLY varies based on the development of your individual baby.

Stages of Bathing an Infant (Approx.)

0-10 Days (Umbilical Cord Still Attached)

You are restricted to a sponge bath until the umbilical cord dries up and comes off. You also need to take caution with circumcised boys. I actually liked being restricted to only sponge bathing. It was easier. Less stressful for us rookies.

Key areas to focus on are the neck, armpits, behind the ears. We found out the hard way that if you don’t clean between the neck rolls well, it starts to smell (from the milk that dripped in there). Same with the armpits. They will smell and may become red and irritated, especially if it is winter and their arms aren’t getting much airflow.

10 Days – 3 months (Weak Head/Neck Control)

Now that the umbilical cord has come off, you can give an actual bath! With our firstborn, we tried the classic whale tub everyone seems to use. I didn’t like it. Baby was chilly, she was exposed, she was on her back, she seemed vulnerable, and she didn’t seem very supported.

With baby number 2, I fell in love with the Tummy Tub (which I will need to dedicate a whole post to!). Basically, it replicates the womb by allowing baby to be immersed in the water, stay warm, and be in that familiar fetal position.

I’ve also heard great things about the Puj Tub, used in the sink or if you get in the tub, too, and place it in your lap.

3 – 7 months (Head Control, Starting to Sit)

This is where the Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub comes in! Baby is outgrowing her first newborn tub and is more and more interested in splashing and playing in the water. Since baby is too small yet for the regular tub, you’ll need a transitional tub. Baby’s head/neck is strong but cannot yet sit up.

This inflatable duck tub is great because baby can lean into it and be supported. As baby becomes stronger, he can sit on his own with the security of the tub to catch him when he tips. Bonus: it quacks.

Also, I would frequently forgo any baby tub at all and lay baby on his back in the regular tub. Only fill the tub with a few inches of water. He loved being free and kicking & splashing! Took me a second child to figure this one out.

7 months+ (Sitting Confidently)

When you are confident in your baby’s sitting capabilities, let them play in the regular, big tub!

Hopefully this helps the bathing process for new parents . . . and provides insight into other options for all parents!