How to Bathe a Newborn with a Hooded Baby Towel

By Hazel & Fawn | Published: 2026-10-30

Category: How-to Guides

Learn a safe, step-by-step newborn bath routine using a hooded baby towel. Discover drying tips, towel size advice, and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick Answer

For a calm, safe newborn bath, gather your supplies first, keep the room warm, and use a soft hooded baby towel to wrap your baby immediately after rinsing so they stay warm and cozy while you pat them dry.

Why a Hooded Baby Towel Helps

A hooded baby towel isn't just adorable—it serves a real purpose. The hood traps heat that escapes from your baby's head, which is especially important right after a bath when their body temperature can drop quickly. Wrapping your baby in a hooded towel right away keeps them comfortable and reduces fussiness during drying.

The soft fabric of a hooded baby towel is also gentler on delicate newborn skin than a regular adult towel. Look for a towel made from bamboo cotton blend, like the Fabelab Hooded Baby Towel, which is 70% bamboo and 30% cotton. This combination is soft, absorbent, and naturally gentle on sensitive skin.

Choosing the Right Towel Size

Size matters when it comes to newborn towels. A towel that's too small won't cover your baby completely, leaving them chilly. A towel that's too large can be awkward to wrap and may have excess fabric that feels overwhelming.

The Fabelab Hooded Baby Towel measures 71 x 118 cm, which is a generous size for newborns and even older babies. It provides full coverage from head to toe, making it easy to wrap your baby securely after their bath.

Step-by-Step Newborn Bath and Drying Routine

Gather Your Supplies: Before undressing your baby, have everything within arm's reach: a baby bathtub with warm water (about 100°F), mild baby soap, a clean diaper, fresh clothes, and your hooded baby towel. This prevents you from leaving your baby unattended even for a second. Check the water temperature with your wrist or a bath thermometer to ensure it's comfortably warm, not hot.
Keep the Room Warm: Bath time can chill a newborn quickly. Close windows and doors, and consider using a space heater to warm the room to a comfortable temperature (around 75°F). A warm room helps your baby stay relaxed and prevents post-bath shivers. Test the room temperature with a thermometer if you're unsure—your baby's comfort is the priority.
Bathe Your Baby Gently: Support your baby's head and neck with one arm while using the other to gently wash them with a soft washcloth and mild soap. Keep the bath short—5 to 10 minutes is plenty. Never leave your baby unattended in the water. Always keep one hand on your baby at all times; even a few inches of water is a drowning risk.
Lift and Wrap Immediately: After rinsing, lift your baby out of the tub and place them directly onto the hooded baby towel. Pull the hood over their head first to trap warmth, then wrap the rest of the towel around their body. This minimizes heat loss and keeps your baby cozy. Wrap your baby within seconds of leaving the water to prevent chills.
Pat Dry, Don't Rub: Use the towel to gently pat your baby's skin dry, paying special attention to skin folds (neck, armpits, and diaper area). Rubbing can irritate delicate skin. The bamboo cotton fabric is soft and absorbent, making this step quick and comfortable. Make sure all creases are completely dry to prevent diaper rash or skin irritation.
Dress Your Baby Quickly: Once your baby is dry, remove the wet towel and put on a fresh diaper and clothes immediately. Keep the room warm while dressing to avoid a temperature drop. A hooded towel can also be used as a cozy wrap while you dress your baby in stages. Have the diaper and clothes pre-opened and ready so you can dress your baby without delay.

Product Spotlight

Hooded Baby Towel: The Fabelab Hooded Baby Towel is made from a soft bamboo cotton blend (70% bamboo, 30% cotton) and measures 71 x 118 cm. The bamboo cotton blend is gentle on sensitive newborn skin, and the generous size ensures full coverage to keep your baby warm and comfortable after every bath.
Hooded Baby Towel