Bathing your newborn for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Your baby’s tiny, delicate body and soft skin require extra care, and many first-time parents feel unsure about how to handle bath time safely. But with the right approach and a few expert tips from experienced mothers, bath time can become a soothing and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you confidently bathe your newborn, along with practical advice from moms who’ve been there before.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Newborn?
Newborns don’t need a full bath every day. In fact, bathing them 2-3 times a week is enough to keep them clean. Daily baths can dry out their delicate skin. On non-bath days, you can gently clean their face, hands, neck, and diaper area with a warm washcloth (often called a “top and tail” wash).
What You’ll Need for Bath Time
Before you start, make sure everything you need is within arm’s reach. Never leave your baby unattended in the water, even for a second.
Essential Bathing Items:
✔️ A baby bathtub or a clean sink with a soft towel for cushioning
✔️ Lukewarm water (about 100°F or 37°C – use your wrist or elbow to test)
✔️ A soft washcloth
✔️ Fragrance-free, gentle baby soap (optional; newborns don’t need much)
✔️ A cup for rinsing
✔️ A hooded baby towel
✔️ A fresh diaper and clean clothes
Step-by-Step Guide to Bathing Your Newborn
1. Prepare the Bath Area
- Choose a warm, draft-free room. Babies lose heat quickly, so keep the room cozy (around 75°F or 24°C).
- Fill the baby bathtub with 5 – 10 cm of lukewarm water—just enough to keep your baby comfortable without submerging them completely.
2. Undress Your Baby and Keep Them Warm
- Gently remove your baby’s clothes, leaving the diaper on for now.
- Wrap them in a soft towel and hold them securely to avoid startling them.
3. Start with a Sponge Bath (If the Umbilical Cord Is Still Attached)
- If your baby’s umbilical cord stump hasn’t fallen off yet (usually within the first 1-2 weeks), it’s best to give a sponge bath instead of submerging them in water.
- Use a warm, damp washcloth to gently wipe their face, behind their ears, under their neck, and in skin folds where milk and sweat can collect.
4. Gently Place Your Baby in the Tub
- Once the umbilical stump has fallen off, you can give your baby a full bath.
- Support their head and neck with one hand while slowly lowering them into the water feet-first.
- Keep one hand on your baby at all times for safety
5. Wash Your Baby Gently
- Use a washcloth or your hand to gently clean their skin, starting from the face and moving downward.
- Avoid getting soap in their eyes—most newborns don’t need soap on their face.
- Pay extra attention to skin folds, behind the ears, under the arms, and around the diaper area.
6. Rinse and Keep Your Baby Warm
- Use a cup or your hand to gently pour water over your baby’s skin to rinse away soap.
- Be quick but gentle—babies can get cold fast.
7. Take Your Baby Out and Dry Them
- Lift your baby out of the tub with both hands, supporting their head and neck.
- Wrap them immediately in a soft, warm towel, patting them dry instead of rubbing.
Join Our Parenting
community
Valuable insights on infant care, maternal mental health and resources for motherhood delivered straight to your inbox.
Latest Articles
Expert Tips from Experienced Moms
✔️ Use a Bath Time Routine: Babies love predictability. A warm bath before bedtime can help relax them and signal that it’s time to sleep.
✔️ Talk or Sing to Your Baby: The sound of your voice is comforting. Sing, hum, or chat while bathing to make it a soothing experience.
✔️ Keep Bath Time Short: Newborns only need about 5-10 minutes in the bath to avoid getting too cold or drying out their skin.
✔️ Be Gentle with the Head and Soft Spot (Fontanelle): No need to worry—washing your baby’s head is safe, but use a gentle touch.
✔️ Moisturize After Bathing: If your baby’s skin seems dry, apply a fragrance-free baby lotion or coconut oil after their bath.
✔️ Don’t Panic If They Cry: Some newborns cry during their first few baths. Try adjusting the water temperature, swaddling their torso in a warm washcloth, or making it a quicker bath. They’ll soon get used to it!
Conclusion: Enjoy the Bonding Time
Bathing your newborn is not just about cleanliness—it’s a beautiful bonding experience. The warm water, your gentle touch, and the comforting routine create a sense of security for your baby. With practice, bath time will become an enjoyable, stress-free ritual that you both look forward to.
Connect with me on Instagram @intuitive_parenting_academy for insights and encouragement on your parenting journey