10 Baby Bath Essentials For Your Newborn's First Soak

Think giving your little ones a bath is as easy as plopping them down in the tub? Think again! Bathing a baby successfully requires a whole slew of essentials to get the job done.

Those commercials with babies splashing in the tub unassisted are a total lie— those are actually TODDLERS. Sturdy, independent toddlers who are probably in the 5th percentile, playing the role of a 6-month-old baby perfectly. With toddlers, you simply fill up the tub and let them have at it. But babies? Chunky, slippery, mostly immobile babies? They're going to need some help.

Get those chubby rolls squeaky clean with these 10 bath must-haves:

1. Bath Tub

Smaller babies are going to need their own tub. A baby tub needs to be at a slight angle— not completely flat, yet not too upright, ideally with a non-slip surface and little safety posts under their arms and legs to keep them from slipping under the water.

Tub styles range from totally utilitarian, one-piece tubs such as the Primo Euro bathtub, to fully-featured whirlpool tubs with jets and vibrations like the Summer Infant Lil' Luxuries Whirlpool Bubbling Spa & Shower.

There are tubs with special reservoirs to allow clean water to flow in and dirty water to flow out, such as the 4moms Infant Tub, tubs that can go from the bathtub to the counter like the Munchkin Clean Cradle Tub (pictured), or even portable, foldable tubs that fit in the sink, like The Puj Flyte Tub.

Whatever tub you choose, keep in mind that you should never leave baby in it unassisted. Babies can drown even in an inch of water, so use your common sense!

2. Rinse Cup

You'll need a little rinse cup with a handle to easily wash off your sudsy baby.

You know what babies absolutely abhor? Getting water in their face, especially in their eyes! A rinse cup with a spout that controls water flow, such as the Skip Hop Moby Waterfall Rinser, (pictured) ensures a steady stream with no surprises.

A rinse cup with a soft, contoured rim, like the SC Products Shampoo Rinse Cup, forms a watertight bond against your baby's forehead to keep shampoo and water out of their eyes. Pretty genius, eh?

3. Washcloth

Really get in those rolls and folds with a soft washcloth. Wet your washcloth with water, pour in a few drops of soap, and bring it to a lather. Make sure to scrub baby down very gently!

There's no need to buy baby-specific washcloths (talk about gimmicky!). Simply use what you already have at home, as long as it's not abrasive… Although if you really want an excuse to spend, try aden + anais washcloths, which are made with 100% cotton muslin perfect for delicate skin.

4. Fragrance-Free All-in-One Wash 

An all-in-one wash not only takes up less room in the shower, but also makes bath time quicker and more convenient.

Make sure to choose fragrance-free, as baby's' skin can be very delicate and sensitive to extra chemicals and ingredients. Try California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo and Bodywash which is sulfate-free and made with all-natural ingredients. Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Body Wash is made with a blend of aloe, oat flour, and soy protein, perfect for delicate skin.

5. Soft Brush

It's very common for newborns to develop crusty, scaly patches on their scalp within the first few months of their life. Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap, may look absolutely freaky, but it can easily be resolved by daily shampooing with a soft brush.

The Denman Baby Brush has ultra-soft bristles perfect for your baby's delicate head. Choose from pink or blue!

6. Faucet Cover

As your baby learns to sit up on her own and become a wee-bit more mobile, you'll want to cover up those hard metal faucets to prevent any accidents.

The Skip Hop Moby Bath Spout Cover comes with an adjustable strap on the fin to suit most tub faucets. Want something extra-luxe? The Boon Flo (pictured) diverts the flow of water to create a waterfall effect (perfect for rinsing off shampoo) and even has a nifty bubble bath dispenser!

7. Bubble Bath

Once your baby starts becoming more alert (and isn't just drooling and staring off during baths), make bath time something he'll look forward to with a healthy dose of bubbles!

Try Mustela's Bebe Range Multi-Sensory Bubble Bath. With skin-softening cornflower and gentle marine extracts, this soothing bubble bath is perfect for baby's delicate skin. And can you say fancy? I mean, bubbles are obviously fun and all, but to call it "multi-sensory" is just taking things to the next level.

Once your baby gets a taste of a bubbles, don't bother running a bath without them.

8. Bath Toys

Some babies are like cats— they think that getting wet is the worst thing in the world. Lure them in the bath with a bunch of toys (if they are anything like cats, they'll find it very hard to resist!)

These Boon Fleet Stacking Boats float, scoop up water, and even have drain holes for a rainfall effect.

Want something that will stimulate their senses? Check out the Nuby Octopus Floating Bath Toy (pictured). With its bright colors and fun shapes, your baby will be super engrossed throwing the rings on the tentacles while you're busy cleaning that crusty belly button.

Teach your little one the marvelous joys of fishing with the Munchkin Gone Fishin' Bath Toy. Catch the cute little fish with the magnetic pole, which even has a clicking reel!

9. Bath Toy Organizer

Keep your bathroom neat and clutter-free with a bath toy organizer. If there's one thing more upsetting than stepping on a Lego, it's stepping on a slippery rubber duck that mocks you with its squeaker!

The Skip Hop Tubby Bath Toy Organizer stays put with four suction cups, and is made of mesh and neoprene (like diving suits!) to let toys dry out and stay mildew-free.

10. Hooded Towel

While a regular ol' towel is perfectly fine, an ultra-fluffy hooded towel perfectly sized for your baby will keep her extra warm and snug after a bath.

Aden + Anais makes luxurious cotton terry towels with their signature muslin cotton on the hood. 3 Sprouts makes the most adorable animal towels — we particularly love "Cream Chico Chicken" and "Pink Elfie Elephant"!

What are some of your baby bath time essentials? Share your favorite products in the comments below!

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.