Bathing Your Newborn: A Complete Guide
Bathing a tiny, slippery, sometimes-screaming newborn can feel intimidating at first. You might wonder how often to bathe them, how to keep them safe, and what to do about that umbilical cord stump. The good news: newborn baths don't need to be frequent or complicated, and you'll get more confident with each one.
How Often to Bathe Your Newborn AAP
Newborns don't need daily baths—in fact, too-frequent bathing can dry out their delicate skin.
Bathing frequency:
- 2-3 times per week is plenty for most newborns
- Sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off
- Tub baths can start once the cord stump is healed
- Clean the diaper area well with each change
- Wipe face, neck folds, and hands daily
Why less is more:
- Newborns don't get very dirty
- Frequent baths can dry out skin
- Vernix (the waxy coating at birth) is protective
- Babies need their natural skin oils
Sponge Baths (First Weeks) AAP
Until the umbilical cord stump falls off (usually 1-3 weeks), stick to sponge baths to keep the area dry.
What you need:
- Warm room (babies get cold quickly)
- Flat, padded surface with towel
- Basin of warm water
- Soft washcloth
- Mild, fragrance-free baby soap (optional)
- Clean towel and diaper ready
How to give a sponge bath:
1. Keep baby wrapped in towel, exposing one area at a time
2. Start with face—use plain water and soft cloth
3. Wipe eyes from inner to outer corner with clean part of cloth
4. Clean around ears (not inside)
5. Wash scalp with damp cloth
6. Unwrap and clean body, getting into folds
7. Clean diaper area last
8. Pat dry thoroughly, especially in skin folds
Safety tips:
- Never leave baby unattended
- Test water temperature on your wrist or elbow
- Keep one hand on baby at all times
- Work quickly to prevent chilling
Tub Baths (After Cord Falls Off) AAP
Once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the area is healed, you can transition to tub baths.
What you need:
- Infant tub or clean sink
- 2-3 inches of warm water (not hot)
- Washcloth and soft towel
- Mild baby soap
- Clean diaper and clothes ready
Step-by-step:
1. Fill tub with a few inches of warm water
2. Test temperature—should feel warm, not hot
3. Undress baby and lower gently, feet first
4. Support head and neck with one hand/arm
5. Keep most of baby's body in water for warmth
6. Wash with other hand, using minimal soap
7. Rinse thoroughly
8. Lift out carefully—wet babies are slippery!
9. Wrap immediately in towel
Bath safety essentials:
- Never, ever leave baby unattended in water
- Don't answer phone or door—take baby with you or skip it
- Keep water shallow
- Support head at all times
- Gather everything before starting
Washing Specific Areas
Face:
- Use plain water only
- Wipe gently with soft cloth
- Clean around eyes from inner to outer corner
- Get behind ears
Scalp:
- Wash even over soft spots (they're protected)
- Use gentle circular motions
- If cradle cap is present, may use soft brush
- Rinse thoroughly
Neck folds:
- Milk and drool collect here
- Gently separate folds and clean
- Dry thoroughly to prevent rash
Diaper area:
- Wash last with soap
- Clean all creases
- For girls: wipe front to back
- For boys: clean around genitals gently
- Rinse and dry thoroughly
Handling Common Concerns
Baby screams during baths:
- Very common in newborns
- Try warmer room temperature
- Keep a warm washcloth on tummy
- Make baths quick
- Talk or sing soothingly
- They usually grow to love baths
Dry skin:
- Bathe less frequently
- Use minimal or no soap
- Apply fragrance-free moisturizer after
- Use a humidifier in dry weather
Slippery baby:
- Use a bath support or insert
- Keep one hand on baby at all times
- Drain water before lifting out
- Have towel within arm's reach
Products for Newborn Baths
What you need:
- Mild, fragrance-free baby wash (or just water)
- Soft washcloths
- Hooded towel (helpful for keeping warm)
- Infant tub or sink insert
What you don't need:
- Baby powder (aspiration risk)
- Lotions with fragrances
- Q-tips for ears (never put in ear canal)
- Bubble bath (can irritate)
The Bottom Line
Bathing a newborn is simpler than it seems—warm water, a gentle touch, and close attention to safety are the essentials. You'll both get more comfortable with practice, and many babies grow to love bath time.
Clara is here if you have questions about bathing or caring for your newborn.