Bath time with a new baby can feel like a lot to figure out at once - the water temperature, how to hold a slippery little one, and the long list of items you are told to buy. The good news is that you do not need a cupboard full of products. A few well-chosen items and a simple routine are enough to keep your baby clean, comfortable and safe.
This guide walks through the baby bath essentials worth having, a step-by-step routine, and practical tips for parents shopping in Ghana - plus a few items you can order from Beks.
What you actually need at bath time
You can keep your setup simple. Most parents find that these items cover the basics:
- A small baby basin or tub, shallow enough to support your baby safely
- A soft towel or two for drying and wrapping
- A mild cleanser and a soap dish to keep it dry between uses
- A small bucket or cup for rinsing
- A stool so you can sit comfortably at your baby's level
- Tissues or soft wipes for quick cleanups
- A storage spot for everything, so bath time is not a hunt across the house
Buying items as a set is often easier than collecting them one at a time. The 9 in 1 Baby Bath set on Beks brings several pieces together - a basin, bucket, stool, soap dish and storage bowl, along with a chamber pot and a small wardrobe for keeping things tidy.
A simple step-by-step bath routine
Before you start
- Put everything within arm's reach first: towel, cleanser, a fresh nappy and clean clothes.
- Warm the room and close any windows or doors that let in a draught.
- Fill the basin with shallow, comfortably warm water. Test it with your elbow or wrist - if it feels warm to you, it is usually fine for your baby.
- Keep your phone out of reach and give bath time your full attention.
During the bath
- Lower your baby in feet first, supporting the head and neck with one hand.
- Keep a hand on your baby at all times, even for a second.
- Wash from cleanest to dirtiest: face and eyes first, then the body, and the nappy area last.
- Keep the bath short. A few minutes is plenty for a newborn.
- Rinse with clean water poured gently from your bucket or cup.
After the bath
- Wrap your baby in a towel straight away and pat dry, paying attention to the skin folds.
- Dress your baby promptly to keep them warm.
- Empty and rinse the basin, and dry your items so they do not stay damp between baths.
Buying tips for baby bath items
A little thought before you buy saves money and clutter later:
- Choose a basin with a wide, stable base so it does not tip.
- Pick a size that suits your space and your baby's stage - a small newborn tub is easier to handle than a large one.
- Compare a set against buying items separately. Sets usually cost less than the same pieces bought one by one, and they match.
- Look for smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces without sharp edges.
- Plan storage from day one. A dedicated box or basket keeps towels, cleansers and spare clothes together and ready to grab.
Baby bath essentials you can order from Beks
Beks is an online store in Ghana selling groceries, baby products, household items, personal care products and everyday essentials, with delivery. A few items that fit neatly into a bath-time setup:
- 9 in 1 Baby Bath set - a practical set that covers several essentials at once, including a basin, bucket, stool, soap dish, storage bowl, chamber pot and a small wardrobe.
- Flora Joy 10 Tissue - soft, everyday tissues that are handy for quick cleanups around the changing and bath area.
- Fabric Storage Box 33x38x33 cm by IKEA - a lightweight fabric box that keeps towels, cleansers and spare clothes organised and dust-free near the bath.
- Pampered love to soak (magnolia cleansing and moisturizing cream bath) 1L - a treat for the caregiver. After the rush of bath time, a warm soak is a small way to look after yourself too.
- Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Vitalizing Body Oil, 200 ml - formulated with cocoa butter and replenishing oils, for moisturising your own skin once your baby is settled.
You can browse the full range and check current details on each product page before you order.
Safety notes for bath time in Ghana
- Never leave a baby alone in water, not even for a moment.
- Keep the water shallow and never fill the basin above your baby's chest.
- If your water supply is unpredictable, heat and store your bath water safely, and always test the temperature before your baby goes in.
- Avoid strong, heavily scented soaps on a newborn's skin. Keep cleansers mild and rinse well.
- Do not add anything to the bath water unless the product is intended for bathing a baby.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for a newborn's first bath?
You need very little: a shallow basin or tub, a soft towel, a mild cleanser, a rinse cup or small bucket, and a warm room. Have a fresh nappy and clean clothes ready so you can dress your baby quickly afterward.
How often should I bathe my baby?
Many parents bathe a newborn a couple of times a week and top-and-tail (clean the face, hands and nappy area) on the other days. More frequent full baths are not usually needed, and can dry out delicate skin. Follow your baby's comfort and your own routine.
Can I use a regular basin for my baby's bath?
You can, but a basin designed for babies is safer because it is shallow and has a stable base. A wide, non-slip floor basin works too, as long as you support your baby at all times and keep the water shallow.
Where can I buy baby bath essentials in Ghana?
Beks sells baby products, household items and everyday essentials online, with delivery, so you can order a bath set, storage and personal care items together instead of driving between shops.
How do I keep my baby warm during bath time?
Warm the room first, close draughts, use warm (not hot) water, and keep the bath short. Have a towel ready to wrap your baby the moment they come out, and dress them straight away.
Ready to set up your bath time?
Start with the items you will use every day, keep the routine simple, and add the rest as you need it. Explore the baby, household and personal care range on Beks and have your baby bath essentials delivered to your door.