There are a lot of firsts in the early days of parenting — your baby’s first feeding, first diaper change and first grins in their sleep until the real smile happens around eight weeks. But one first that can make even the most confident parent pause is giving your baby their very first bath.
Babies are small, squirmy and can be slippery when wet. So it’s normal to feel a bit nervous and worried about your baby’s safety.
With the help of Mary Ann Sawyer, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) developmental specialist nurse with Banner Health, we share 10 helpful tips to make your baby’s first bath a breeze.
1. Wait at least 24 hours for the first bath
You may be eager to give your newborn their first bath, but waiting is better. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting for at least 24 hours after birth. If your culture or hospital policy doesn’t allow for that, aim to wait at least six hours.
Delaying your baby’s first bath can be beneficial. It can maintain the smell of your baby’s first environment, which is thought to be soothing, and it allows a more natural transition to the outside world.
“Babies are born with a creamy white coating called vernix, which helps protect and moisturize their skin,” Sawyer said. “This coating is especially helpful as your baby transitions from the water environment inside mom to their new dry world.”
2. Use sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off
Before your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off (usually within the first few weeks), stick with swaddled sponge baths. This helps the cord dry and lowers the risk of infection.
“Avoid submerging your baby in water until the stump falls off,” Sawyer said. “This allows the stump to dry out and fall off, a normal part of the healing process.”
3. Bathe them one to three times per week
How often should I bathe my newborn? You don’t need to bathe them every day, but too many baths can dry out or irritate their skin.
“Your baby was just living in water, so too much bathing can be drying,” Sawyer said. “One to three times per week is usually enough in the first few months.”
Pick a time when your baby is calm, well-rested and not hungry. Many parents choose early evening as part of a bedtime routine since a warm bath can help relax the baby.
4. Choose safe, simple products for baby’s skin
A newborn’s skin is very delicate. When picking bath products, go for:
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Free from parabens, sulfates and dyes
- Tear-free
“You can use natural, food-grade oils on your baby’s skin, but try to avoid harsh chemicals as their skin absorbs everything,” Sawyer said.
5. Get everything ready before you start
Bathing a newborn takes focus. Have all your supplies within reach to help you stay calm and safe. Place the baby tub on a flat surface and check that the room is warm. Babies can get cold quickly.
Gather these before bath time:
- A baby tub or a clean sink
- A soft washcloth
- Gentle baby soap
- Rinse cup and a clean warm water
- Two soft towels (one for drying, one for padding in the tub)
- A clean diaper and clothes
- Optional: A helper for extra support and photos!
6. Fill the baby tub or sink with just a few inches of warm water
Use one to three inches of warm water in the tub or sink. Always test the water temperature before placing your baby in it. Never run water while your baby is in the bath. Fill it first, then check the temperature.
“The safest way to know if the temperature of the water isn’t too hot is to test using the inside of your wrist or elbow,” Sawyer said. “The water should feel warm, not hot – about 100°F (37.8°C).”
Check for hot spots. Run your open fingers through the water to make sure the water is just right. If you feel a hot spot, add a bit of cooler water and move the water until it feels nice and warm.
7. Keep the baby warm during the bath
Even in warm water, babies can get cold. To help keep your baby comfortable:
- Try swaddling your baby in a soft towel or receiving blanket for the sponge bath or the tub bath.
- Cover their chest or tummy with a warm washcloth.
- Rewet the washcloth with warm water as needed.
- Keep baths short (around five to 10 minutes).
“Consider a swaddle bath if your baby is fussy with baths,” Sawyer said. “With swaddle bathing, babies tend to cry less and stay warmer.”
8. Bathe in a calm, slow way
It’s normal for babies to fuss during their first baths.
“Go slow and take your time,” Sawyer said. “Help your baby feel relaxed by feeling calm yourself. Talk and sing softly while bathing. Always keep one hand on your baby for safety.”
9. Wash the baby from head to toe
Start with the face and work your way down:
- Face: Use a warm, damp washcloth with no soap. Gently wipe from the inner corner of one eye to the outer eye. With a different part of the washcloth, do the same to the other eye. Then gently wipe around the nose and mouth.
- Neck and ears: Don’t forget behind the ears and under the chin.
- Arms and hands: Open their fists and clean in between fingers.
- Torso: Use a tiny bit of soap, if needed.
- Legs and feet: Gently wipe down their tiny toes.
- Genital area: For girls, wipe front to back. For boys, gently clean the penis. If uncircumcised, don’t pull back the foreskin. Read: How to Care for Your Baby After Circumcision.
- Head: Wash the hair last to keep your baby warm. Use a small amount of soap, then rinse carefully so it runs off the back of the baby’s head.
Never leave your baby alone in the bathtub – not even for a moment. Stay with your baby at all times.
10. Dry and dress the baby without lotions or powders
After the bath:
- Wrap your baby in a soft towel immediately.
- Gently pat them dry, especially in the folds and creases.
- You can hold your baby skin to skin with their bare chest on your chest to help warm them with a blanket on their back. Make sure they are diapered if you do.
- Skip lotions unless your health care provider says otherwise. If your provider recommends a gentle lotion or oil (such as for dry skin or eczema), rub it between your hands to warm it first and then apply.
- Avoid baby powder, which can be harmful if inhaled (breathed in).
When to call your child’s health care provider
Reach out to the baby’s provider if:
- The umbilical cord stump looks red, swollen, oozes pus or you notice a foul smell
- Your baby has a rash that doesn’t go away
- You’re unsure about a product or skin reaction
- Your baby cries nonstop during or after every bath
Your child’s provider can guide you on what’s normal and what might need attention.
Takeaway
Bathing your newborn doesn’t have to be stressful. With some preparation and practice, it can become one of the sweetest parts of your day. It’s a chance to slow down, connect and care for your baby in a loving way.
Need more support as a new parent? Schedule a visit with a Banner Health specialist.
