Everything about free bathing

Bath time is often a wonderfully enjoyable moment for your little one, and for you too — a chance to share in a little play and relaxation together. There are all sorts of accessories available for bathing newborns: bath supports, baby baths, bath seats, bath loungers… But what if we thought more simply and got back to basics? That's what is known as free bathing.

What is free bathing?

Free bathing simply means allowing your child to explore their environment independently, without any obstacles, letting them move as they wish in the bath. All it requires is a shallow depth of water — around 5cm, which is roughly the height of baby's earlobes. Once placed on their back, your child can explore their own body and discover the space around them, freely.

We recommend starting free bathing from your baby's second month, on their back. Once they can roll over by themselves, you can simply let them do so without any worry!

What are the benefits of free bathing?

First and foremost, much like free movement on the floor, free bathing allows your child complete freedom of movement. They can play with the water using all their limbs, and will learn to trust themselves and their movements, without any assistance.

What's more, you'll have both hands free to soap baby from head to toe.

Another benefit is that it requires no equipment at all: a bath, a little water, and you're all set.

Tips and precautions

How can you practise free bathing if you only have a shower? Simply set up a small inflatable paddling pool for just a few pounds, fill it with a shallow depth of water, and let your child splash about happily.

If your baby is very young and cannot yet roll over, you can place a small towel at the bottom of the bath so they slip less and are more comfortably settled, particularly around their head.

Important: never leave your child alone and unsupervised, or in the sole company of an older sibling. Even with very little water in the bath, the risk of drowning should never be dismissed.

Sensory Exploration and Family Bonds

Beyond the motor benefits, free bathing offers a rich sensory experience for your little one. The gentle, warm water creates a soothing atmosphere that stimulates their senses whilst nurturing a strong emotional bond with their parents. These shared moments of closeness during bath time create precious emotional memories and strengthen family ties. The laughter, the little splashes, and the sensory discoveries all help to build lasting memories and establish a relationship of trust with your baby, creating an environment that supports their all-round development.

Free bathing thus becomes far more than a simple routine — it is a genuine experience of exploration and connection with your little one.