Baby bath basics: A parent's guide
Wondering how to do a baby bath? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the basics.
Are you nervous about giving your newborn baby a bath? Bathing a slippery baby may feel daunting at first, but with a little practice, you'll start to feel more comfortable at bath time. Start by learning baby bath basics.
How often does my newborn need a bath?
There's no need to give your newborn baby a bath every day. Three times a week might be enough until your baby becomes more mobile. Bathing your baby too much can dry out your baby's skin.
If you're quick and thorough with diaper changes and burp cloths, you're already cleaning the parts that need attention — the face, neck and diaper area. Between baths, you may also check the folds of your baby's skin, including thighs, groin, armpits and chin. If needed, clean these areas with a wet washcloth.
Is it better to bathe my baby in the morning or at night?
That's up to you. Choose a time when you're not rushed or likely to be interrupted. Some parents opt for morning baths, when their babies are alert. Others prefer to make baby baths part of a calming bedtime ritual. If you bathe your baby after a feeding, consider waiting for your baby's tummy to settle a bit first.
Is a sponge bath good enough?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off — which might take a week or two. To give your baby a sponge bath, you'll need:
- A warm place with a flat surface. A bathroom or kitchen counter, changing table, or firm bed will work. Even a blanket or towel on the floor is OK. Pad hard surfaces with a blanket or towel.
- A soft blanket, towel or changing pad. Spread it out for your baby to lie on.
- A free hand. Always keep one hand on your baby. On a changing table, use the safety strap as well.
- A sink or shallow basin to hold the water. Run warm water into the basin or sink. Check the water temperature with your hand to make sure it's not too hot.
- Essential supplies. Gather a washcloth, a towel — preferably with a built-in hood — fragrance-free baby shampoo and soap, baby wipes, a clean diaper, and a change of clothes.
Undress your baby and wrap him or her in a towel. Lay your baby on his or her back in the prepared area. To keep your baby warm, only expose the parts of your baby's body that you're washing. Wet the washcloth with plain, warm water. Then wring out excess water and wipe your baby's face. Wipe each eyelid from the inside to the outside corner.
To clean your baby's body, use a dampened washcloth dipped in plain or soapy water. If you use soap, make sure it's mild and moisturizing. Pay special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck and in the diaper area. Also wash between your baby's fingers and toes.
What type of baby tub is best?
Once your baby is ready for a bath, you might use a plastic tub or the sink. Line the tub or sink with a clean towel. Gather the supplies you'd use for a sponge bath, a cup of rinsing water and baby shampoo, if needed, ahead of time. This will allow you to keep one hand on the baby at all times. Never leave your baby alone in the water.
How much water should I put in the tub?
A common recommendation is 2 inches (about 5 centimeters). During bath time, always be sure to give your baby undivided attention and hold your baby securely. If you forget something you need for the bath, take your baby with you. Never leave your baby alone in the tub even for an instant.
What about water temperature?
Warm water is best. To prevent scalding, set the thermostat on your water heater to below 120 F (49 C). Always check the water temperature with your hand before bathing your baby. Aim for bath water around 100 F (38 C). Be sure the room is comfortably warm, too. A wet baby can be easily chilled.
What's the best way to hold my newborn in the tub?
A secure hold will help your baby feel comfortable — and stay safe — in the tub. Use your nondominant arm to support your baby's head and neck and the other to hold and guide your baby's body into the water, feet first. Continue supporting your baby's head and back as needed. You might reach behind your baby and hold on to his or her opposite arm throughout the bath.
What should I wash first?
Most parents start with the baby's head and face and move down to dirtier parts of the body. This keeps rinsed areas from getting soapy again.
Should I wash my newborn's hair?
If your newborn has hair and you think it needs washing, go ahead. With your free hand, gently massage a drop of mild baby shampoo into your baby's scalp. Rinse the shampoo with a cup of water or a damp washcloth, cupping one hand across your baby's forehead to keep suds out of his or her eyes.
Will lotion after a baby bath help prevent rashes?
Most newborns don't need lotion after a bath. If your baby's skin is very dry, apply a small amount of unscented baby moisturizer to the dry areas. The massage might make your baby feel good. If dryness continues, you might be bathing your baby too often.
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Feb. 10, 2022
- Altmann T, et al., eds. Basic infant care. In: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. 7th ed. Bantam; 2019.
- Jana LA, et al. Baby bath basics. In: Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality. 4th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2020. https://shop.aap.org. Accessed Dec. 20, 2021.
- Altmann T, et al., eds. Basic infant care. In: Your Baby's First Year. 5th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2020. https://shop.aap.org. Accessed Dec. 20, 2021.
- Cook WJ, et al., eds. Bathing and skin care. In: Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years: Newborn to Age 3. Mayo Clinic Press; 2020.
- How to bathe your newborn. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/newborn-bathing. Accessed Dec. 20, 2021.
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FAQs
A parent's guide to newborn baths? ›
To clean your baby's body, use a dampened washcloth dipped in plain or soapy water. If you use soap, make sure it's mild and moisturizing. Pay special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck and in the diaper area. Also wash between your baby's fingers and toes.
What are the guidelines for bathing a newborn baby? ›- Fill the sink or baby tub with no more than 3 inches of warm water. ...
- Undress your baby. ...
- Before putting soap on a washcloth, gently clean your baby's eyelids. ...
- Then, wash your baby's face with only water. ...
- Use clean water to wash the outer part of the ear. ...
- Wet your baby's head with water.
While most institutions used to bathe babies within an hour or two of birth, many are changing their policies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying baby's first bath until 24 hours after birth—or waiting at least 6 hours if a full day isn't possible for cultural reasons.
What is the most important rule about bathing a baby? ›Safety should be the top priority when it comes to bathing your little one. Choose a safe bathing location, use a small amount of mild soap, keep the water warm, and most importantly, never take your eyes off your baby in the tub.
What not to do when bathing a newborn? ›- Never leave your baby unsupervised, even for a second. ...
- Never put your baby into a tub when the water is still running. ...
- Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. ...
- Never, ever leave your child unattended.
Don't put your baby in the tub for a few weeks after he or she is born. It's best to sponge-bathe your infant until the umbilical cord falls off and is completely healed. After that, you can place your baby in the water, making sure to support the head and neck at all times. Your baby doesn't need a bath every day.
How long should a newborn be bathed? ›About 5-10 minutes is long enough for a newborn bath. This is especially important if your baby has dry or sensitive skin.
Do you use soap for baby's first bath? ›Using soaps and shampoos
Only use plain water for newborn babies. You can start using unperfumed baby bath from about 4 to 6 weeks, but be careful to only use a little so you don't damage your baby's skin. Babies with longer hair may need a drop of mild shampoo on wet hair, lathered and rinsed off.
The WHO recommends leaving vernix on your baby's skin for at least 6 hours but preferably 24 hours. If you're considering leaving it on for longer, ask your baby's healthcare provider how long it remains beneficial to leave the vernix coating on your baby's skin and how long to wait with your little one's first bath.
Should a newborn have a bath before or after feeding? ›It's best not to bathe your baby straight after a feed or when they're hungry or tired. Make sure the room you're bathing them in is warm. Have everything you need at hand: a baby bath or clean washing-up bowl filled with warm water, 2 towels, a clean nappy, clean clothes and cotton wool.
Can you put lotion on a newborn? ›
Skin care for your newborn
Many parents like to use lotions. But unless the baby's skin is dry, lotions really are not needed. Powders should be avoided, unless they are recommended by your baby's healthcare provider.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off — which might take a week or two. To give your baby a sponge bath, you'll need: A warm place with a flat surface. A bathroom or kitchen counter, changing table, or firm bed will work.
What happens if you don't bathe baby enough? ›Bath time might be part of your nightly ritual, but doctors actually don't recommend daily baths for babies. Excess exposure to water can zap their skin of moisture and worsen conditions like eczema. Then again, not bathing your baby often enough can also aggravate eczema, plus lead to other infections.
Is it OK to bathe a newborn once a week? ›Too much bathing can decrease babies' natural bacteria count and make them more susceptible to infections and rash, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP advises, however, that it's best to bathe babies at least three times a week.
What is the safest way to bath with baby? ›And when you're taking a bath with your baby, keep both hands on her at all times. Try bending your knees and letting your little one recline against your thighs facing you. Keep her wet and warm. Use a plastic cup to pour water over your baby's body from time to time — that'll keep her from getting chilly.
When can we take newborn out? ›According to most pediatric health experts, infants can be taken out in public or outside right away as long as parents follow some basic safety precautions. There's no need to wait until 6 weeks or 2 months of age. Getting out, and in particular, getting outside in nature, is good for parents and babies.
What happens if you give a baby a bath before cord falls off? ›You can safely tub bathe your baby after birth and before the cord falls off. Your baby may be bathed every two to three days with mild baby bathing products. Bathing often can dry your baby's skin.
What happens if you give a baby a bath before the umbilical cord falls off? ›The American Academy of Pediatrics stated that tub bathing performed before the separation of umbilical cord may leave the umbilical cord wet and predispose infection by delaying its separation; thus, it is required to make sponge bathing until the umbilical cord falls off (14).
What time is too late to give a baby a bath? ›You can bath your baby at any time of the day. It's a good idea to pick a time when you're relaxed and you won't be interrupted. Try not to bath your baby when they're hungry or they've just had a feed. If bathing relaxes your baby, you can use it as a way to settle your baby in the evening.
What is the golden hour after birth? ›What is the Golden Hour After Birth? The Golden Hour is the time right after delivery where mom and baby have uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact for at least the first one to two hours. As long as mom and baby are well, immediate and continuous skin-to-skin contact is recommended.
What is a lotus baby? ›
A lotus birth is the decision to leave your baby's umbilical cord attached after they are born. The umbilical cord remains attached to the placenta until it dries and falls off by itself. What are the risks of lotus birth? There are no research studies available on this topic.
Why does vernix smell so good? ›Newborns arrive after spending months floating in amniotic fluid, covered in the waxy white substance known as vernix caseosa. Some theorize that these fluids and substances play a part in that new baby smell. This might be part of the reason that special newborn scent is fleeting, lasting only a few weeks.
Should you wake a sleeping baby to change diaper? ›“There are very few circumstances where I'd recommend waking a sleeping baby to change their diaper,” says Mochoruk. Unless your baby has an open sore or serious diaper rash that requires monitoring, let them sleep, she says. You really needn't worry about a bit of pee in the diaper.
How do you shower with a newborn? ›Use lukewarm water — not so hot you steam up the bathroom quickly — and avoid having the spray hit your baby's face. If you prefer your showers on the hotter side, be sure to limit the time your baby is in the shower with you to just a few minutes or so.
What temperature should newborn sleep in? ›What Is the Ideal Temperature for a Sleeping Baby? Some studies have found that a room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. View Source may be comfortable for babies. Other recommendations range between 61 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit .
What are three safety precautions to take when bathing a newborn? ›- Never leave your baby alone in a bath. Even an inch of water can be deadly for a newborn. ...
- Put the water into a small tub. A small tub lets you control the water temperature for your baby's bath. ...
- Keep your baby warm. ...
- Handle with care.
Some newborns poop five times a day; others only poop every five days. If your newborn poops less frequently, but they are eating regularly and their stool is soft and appears typical, then that's normal for your baby. However, if they go more than a week without pooping, contact your pediatrician.
Is it OK not to bathe newborn everyday? ›Generally, a bath 2-3 times per week is enough to keep your newborn baby's skin clean. If they like to be bathed, it's fine to bath them more frequently. Sometimes baths can dry your baby's skin so only use a small amount of soap or baby bath wash.
How often do you feed newborns? ›First Weeks and Months
On average, most exclusively breastfed babies will feed about every 2 to 4 hours. Some babies may feed as often as every hour at times, often called cluster feeding. Or may have a longer sleep interval of 4 to 5 hours. How often your baby feeds might change depending on the time of day.
Can You Bathe Your Baby While the Umbilical Cord Stump Is Still Attached? During your baby's first few weeks, while the umbilical cord stump is still attached, you should only give sponge baths. A sponge bath is as simple as wrapping your baby in a towel, and wiping her with a damp washcloth and soapy water.
What are the best practices for bathing a baby? ›
- The water should be warm, not hot. ...
- Don't add any liquid cleansers to the bath water. ...
- Hold your baby on your knee and clean their face.
- Next, wash their hair with plain water, supporting them over the bowl.
- Once you've dried their hair gently, you can take off their nappy, wiping away any mess.
Skin care for your newborn
Many parents like to use lotions. But unless the baby's skin is dry, lotions really are not needed. Powders should be avoided, unless they are recommended by your baby's healthcare provider.
A wet diaper on the cord keeps the cord from drying and increases the risk of infection. Do not bathe your baby in a tub or sink until the cord falls off. You may give your baby a sponge bath until then. When the cord falls off, you might notice a small pink area in the bottom of the belly button.