You’re exhausted. Your baby’s screaming. It's witching hour. Again. And all you want to do is nothing - in silence. Sound familiar?
We get it. Evenings can feel like a full-blown, overstimulated mess — and bath time often feels like just another chore. But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it can be the one part of your evening that actually works — for both of you. If you do it right.
We’re the only bath brand that gets real about the dread of evenings. And we’re here to help you own the evening — not just survive it.
Why Bath Time Isn’t Just About Getting Clean
Here’s the science (no fluff): when your baby takes a warm bath, their body temperature rises slightly. Once they’re out, it drops — and that drop sends a sleepy signal to the brain to produce melatonin, our hormone that says, “Hey, it’s time to rest.”
But here’s the catch:
If your baby is cold, overstimulated, or distressed, that sleepy signal gets drowned out by cortisol — the stress hormone. That’s why how you do bath time matters just as much as when you do it.
3 No-BS Tips for a Calmer, Tear-Free Bedtime.
1. Time It Right — and Top Them Up
Your baby’s first sleep stretch is usually their longest. Time bath just before that window.
If witching hour starts at 7 PM, try bathing around 6 PM. Every family’s timing is different — learn yours.
And don’t bathe a hangry baby. Always offer a quick feed beforehand.
Keep the water warm — Aim for around 98.6°F (37°C). No guesswork needed. Test with your elbow or wrist.
2. Use Sensory Cues to Signal Calm
Bath time isn’t just soap and water — it’s a full-body sensory ritual. The key? Smooth transitions and a calm environment.
Prep everything before you begin. No scrambling mid-bath.
- Transition 1: Start with the face. Its the cleanest water and it's a gentle introduction cue.
- Transition 2: Wash and dry the head and neck first — babies lose heat fast. This is a game changer for calm.
- Transition 3: Swaddling baby before putting them in water keeps the startle at bay and protects them from the cold air.
- Transition 4: Use our Wearable Hands-Free Towel to lift them out with zero stress and immediate connection.
- Transition 5: Finish with a gentle massage using Bare. Lotion to lock in moisture and calm before their pajamas.
This isn’t just a bath. It’s a ritual. And rituals build rhythm.
3. Wrap, Cuddle, Connect
Our Oneberrie wearable towel isn’t just warm and super soft — it’s designed for instant chest-to-chest, eye-to-eye connection and nervous system regulation - for everyone. That moment matters. It fosters trust, security, and deep attachment. No hacks. No fluff. No disappointment. Just instinct and intention.
Bonus: Babies Crave Predictability
When your baby knows what’s next, they feel safe. And when they feel safe, they sleep better. It’s that simple.
This routine supports:
- Day-night regulation
- Better digestion
- Less evening chaos
Some nights will still be messy. But consistency now pays off later — at home, on vacation, or even at Grandma’s on Sunday night. I promise.
Own the Evening
You don’t need a perfect routine.
You need a rhythm that works — one that turns bath time from chaos into calm. These are learned habits, built from day one, for a lifetime.
So ditch the pressure. Grab the towel or our First-Bath Bundle for everything you need. And let’s make bath time the most predictable part of your evenings so they can sleep well.
Get 20% off you order with the code "BathtoSleep" at checkout.
