Published - February 5 Last Updated: February 5, 2026
The first time I bathed my son alone, he screamed, I nearly dropped him,
and we both ended up soaking from head to toe. My wife was laughing from the
doorway. Nobody warned me he'd be that slippery or that wiggly. Three months
later, bath time was his favourite part of the day. Here's everything we
learned, starting with the fact that knowing how to bathe newborn
correctly makes all the difference.
Bathing a newborn feels intimidating. They're tiny, slippery, and fragile.
But once you know the basics, it becomes one of the easiest parts of your
routine. This guide walks you through exactly how to bathe newborn safely—from
sponge baths to tub baths and everything in between.
When to Start Bathing Your Newborn
Before you even run the water, you need to know how to bathe newborn.
Many hospitals now practice delayed first bath benefits, waiting 24+ hours
after birth to preserve the protective layer of vernix caseosa. Vernix is waxy,
antimicrobial, and naturally moisturizes a baby's skin. Let it absorb on its
own—don't scrub it off.
Until the umbilical cord falls off (1-3 weeks), sponge baths only. No submersion in
water. The cord stump needs to stay dry to heal properly and avoid infection.
Continue sponge baths while following umbilical cord care instructions until the cord
stump falls off naturally.
Once the cord is gone and any circumcision has healed, you can transition
to full tub baths.
Gathering Your Supplies
Get everything ready before you bring the baby to the bath. You
will never leave the baby unattended—not even to grab a towel from the next
room.
Essentials
- Infant tub or
basin (newborns are too small for a regular tub)
- Soft washcloth
(2-3)
- Hooded baby
towel
- Fragrance-free,
tear-free baby wash
- Fragrance-free
baby shampoo
- Bath
thermometer (optional but helpful)
- Clean diaper
and outfit (within reach)
- Barrier cream
for the diaper area
Nice to have
- Bath support or
sling (keeps baby secure)
- Warm washcloth
to drape over chest
- Small cup for
rinsing hair
Products to avoid
- Anything with
fragrance or dyes
- Adult soaps or
shampoos
- Baby powder
(aspiration risk—skip it entirely)
- Essential oils
- Bubble baths
(irritate sensitive skin)
If the baby develops a rash or reaction after bath products, know when to call about skin concerns.
Sponge Bath Step-by-Step
How to bathe newborn in the sponge bath phase is simpler than you think.
Setup
Lay a soft towel or blanket on a flat, stable surface—a changing table,
bed, or bathroom counter all work. Have a bowl of lukewarm water and a
washcloth nearby. Keep the baby partially dressed (warm) and undress one section at
a time.
Water Temperature
Target: 98-100°F (37-38°C). The test with your elbow or wrist should
feel comfortably warm, not hot. If it feels hot on your elbow, it's too hot for
baby. When in doubt, cooler is safer.
Head-to-Toe Technique
Work top to bottom, saving the dirtiest area for last.
Face - Wipe with a damp cloth only—no soap. Use a fresh corner of the cloth for
each eye, wiping from the inner corner outward. This prevents the spread of
bacteria.
Neck and skin folds -Milk pools here. Gently wipe under the chin, behind the
ears, and in neck creases.
Arms and hands - Soap fingers gently—newborns clench fists, and milk residue hides
inside.
Torso - Tiny amount of fragrance-free wash. Pat dries before moving on.
Legs and feet - Clean between toes.
Diaper area - Last. While bathing offers deep cleaning, regular diaper changes handle
daily cleaning of the diaper area between baths.
Girls: wipe front to back. Boys: clean around and under gently.
Transitioning to Tub Baths
Once the cord is off and any circumcision healed, how to bathe newborn
moves to the tub phase.
Choosing Where to Bathe
Infant tub - Best option for newborns. Smaller, fits in a sink or a larger tub. Gives
you control over water depth. Most affordable and portable.
Bathroom sink - Works well for tiny newborns. Warm the basin first, then line it with a
soft towel. Baby fits perfectly in the early weeks.
Regular bathtub -Too big for newborns—use an infant tub inside it
instead.
Bath Supports
Bath supports, or slings holds the baby securely and keep their head
above water. Worth the investment for peace of mind, especially solo.
Without support, one hand always supports the baby's head and neck.
Always. No exceptions.
The Actual Bath
This is where how to bathe newborn becomes second nature with practice.
Water Depth and Temperature
Depth - 2-3 inches. Enough to cover the baby's body for warmth, shallow enough
for safety.
Temperature - Same as sponge bath—98-100°F. Test before the baby goes in. Water cools
quickly with a small baby, so keep sessions short (5-10 minutes).
Supporting Baby
One hand under the baby's back and shoulders, always supporting the head.
Newborns cannot hold their heads up. If you're using a bath support, the baby
is more secure—but never fully hands-off.
Washing
Hair - Tilt baby's head back slightly. Pour a tiny amount of shampoo, massage
gently, rinse by cupping water in your hand and directing it away from your eyes.
Once or twice a week, there is plenty unless cradle cap is present.
Face - Damp cloth only, no soap. Same technique as a sponge bath.
Body - A small amount of wash on a cloth or your hand. Wash gently, pay attention
to skin folds—neck, armpits, behind knees, groin. These trap moisture and lint.
Genital area - Girls: wipe front to back with clean water. Boys: clean around and under
gently. If uncircumcised, do not retract the foreskin.
Getting Out
Lift the baby out with both hands, wrap immediately in a hooded towel.
Pat dry thoroughly—especially skin folds. A damp baby in a cool room gets cold
fast.
How Often to Bathe
Frequent bathing can strip delicate newborn skin health—stick to 2-3 times
weekly unless necessary.
Why less is more -
- Newborn skin is
thin and sensitive
- Overwashing
removes natural oils
- Strips the skin
barrier
- Can worsen
eczema or dryness
Between baths, spots are cleaned daily -
- Face (milk
residue)
- Neck folds
- Diaper area
(with every change)
- Hands (always
in baby's mouth)
Morning or evening? Whichever works for your family. Bath before bed can
become a nice sleep routine signal, but it's not required.
Bath Safety Rules
Every guide on how to bathe newborn must emphasize this: safety is
non-negotiable.
Never leave a baby alone in water - Not for a second. Not to answer the
phone. Not to grab something from the other room. If you need to leave, pick up
the baby and take them with you.
The room temperature for the baby matters here, too. Keep the bathroom
warm (75-80°F), so the baby doesn't chill when out of the water. A cold room
makes babies miserable and cry more.
Prevent slips - Wet babies are incredibly slippery. Use a bath support, keep one hand
firmly on the baby, and move slowly and deliberately. No rushing.
Water in the ears - A small amount is fine and won't cause problems. If the baby accidentally
dunks underwater, stay calm. Babies have a reflex that closes their airway. But
avoid deliberately getting water in your ears repeatedly.
When Baby Hates Bath Time
Some newborns love baths. Others scream like it's the worst experience of
their life. Both are normal.
If the baby cries during baths, try -
- Keeping a warm,
damp washcloth draped over their chest (stays warmer)
- Making sure the
water and room temperature are warm enough
- Talking or
singing calmly throughout
- Bathing
together (skin-to-skin bath)—baby stays calm on your chest
- Shortening bath
time to just a few minutes
- Trying to have
a different time of day
Most babies grow to love baths by 4-6 weeks. If yours isn’t right
away, that's okay. It'll come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should bath water be?
98-100°F (37-38°C)—lukewarm, not hot. Test with your elbow or wrist
before putting the baby in. It should feel warm and comfortable on your skin, not
hot. A bath thermometer removes all guesswork if it eases your mind.
How deep should the water be?
2-3 inches for newborns. Deep enough to cover the baby's body for warmth,
shallow enough that it doesn't reach the baby's face if they shift. Always support the head and neck regardless of depth.
Can I bathe my baby every day?
You can, but it's not necessary and may dry out newborn skin. Two to
three times weekly is plenty. Spot clean the diaper area, neck folds, and face
daily between baths.
What if my baby screams during baths?
Try keeping a warm washcloth on their chest, ensuring water and room
are warm, talking soothingly, or bathing together skin-to-skin. Some babies
simply don't enjoy baths at first—most grow to love them by 4-6 weeks.
Should I wash my baby's hair every bath?
Once or twice weekly is enough unless cradle cap is significant. Use a
very small amount of fragrance-free baby shampoo and rinse gently, directing
water away from the baby's eyes.
You're Going to Be Fine
How to bathe newborn sounds complicated on paper. In practice, it takes 5 minutes once you've done it a few times. The learning curve is steep for exactly one week, then it clicks.
Remember:
- Warm water, warm room, warm towel ready
- Supplies within arm's reach before you start
- Never leave a baby alone in water
- 2-3 baths per week are plenty
- Mess happens. Laughter helps.
Bathing is one aspect of daily newborn care—explore our complete newborn health guide for feeding, sleep, and development.
Want to know how to care for your baby's umbilical cord before tub baths?
Read our guide to umbilical cord care and when it's ready for water.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not
a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician
with bathing or skin care questions.
Sources:
1. American Academy of Pediatrics - https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/default.aspx
2. Washing and bathing your baby
https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/washing-and-bathing-your-baby/
3. Baby’s First Bath: 5 Tips for New Parents
https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/washing-and-bathing-your-baby/
