Newborn Bath Time: A Gentle Guide for Nervous Parents

Bathing a newborn for the first time can feel genuinely terrifying. They're so small, so slippery, and so unhappy about the experience that many new parents approach bath time with significant anxiety. The good news is that bathing a baby is simpler than you might think, and with practice, it can become one of the sweetest parts of your daily routine. This gentle guide will walk you through everything you need to know about bathing your newborn safely and confidently.

How Often Should You Bathe a Newborn?

Contrary to what you might expect, newborns don't need daily baths. Their skin is delicate, and too-frequent bathing can dry it out and disrupt the natural protective oils. For most babies, two to three baths per week is sufficient, with "topping and tailing" (cleaning face, hands, and nappy area with a warm, damp cloth) on other days.

Of course, if your baby has had a particularly explosive nappy or gotten messy during a feed, an extra bath is perfectly fine. And if your baby loves baths and finds them soothing, daily bathing is okay as long as you keep the water warm (not hot), sessions brief, and follow up with a good moisturiser.

Before the Umbilical Stump Falls Off

Until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off (usually within 1-3 weeks of birth), it's best to give sponge baths rather than submerging your baby in water. The stump needs to stay dry to heal properly and separate naturally.

For a sponge bath, lay your baby on a soft towel on a safe, flat surface. Keep them wrapped in a towel and only expose the area you're washing. Use a soft cloth dipped in warm water to gently clean their skin, working from cleanest to dirtiest areas—face first, nappy area last.

Setting Up for Success

Preparation is key to a calm bath time. Gather everything you need before you start, and set it within arm's reach—once you're holding a wet baby, you cannot safely leave to get something you've forgotten.

The room should be warm. Babies lose heat quickly, so a cold bathroom can turn a pleasant experience into a miserable one. Consider using a small heater to warm the room beforehand (removing it before the bath for safety) or bathing in a warmer room of the house.

Fill the bath with water that's warm but not hot—around 37-38°C, roughly body temperature. Always test the water with your elbow (which is more sensitive than your hand) or a bath thermometer. The water level doesn't need to be deep; enough to cover your baby's body while keeping their head well above water is sufficient—typically about 5-8cm.

Step-by-Step: Bathing Your Newborn

1. Undress and Wrap

Undress your baby on a towel near the bath. You can leave their nappy on until the last moment to avoid any surprises. Wrap them in a towel to keep them warm while you do any pre-bath tasks.

2. Clean the Face First

Before putting your baby in the water, wash their face with a damp cloth (no soap). Wipe each eye from the inner corner outward, using a different part of the cloth for each eye. Gently clean around the nose, ears, and neck creases where milk often collects.

3. Wash the Hair

You can wash your baby's hair while they're still wrapped in the towel, holding them in the "football hold"—baby's body along your forearm, head supported in your hand, over the bath. Use a small amount of water to wet the hair, apply a tiny amount of baby wash if desired, and rinse gently.

4. Into the Bath

Remove the towel and nappy. Lower your baby into the water feet first, supporting their head and neck with one hand and arm while your other hand supports their bottom. Once in the water, you can release your bottom hand while keeping a firm grip under their arm and supporting their head.

5. Wash the Body

Use your free hand to gently wash your baby's body, paying attention to creases—under the chin, behind the ears, in the armpits, and in the thigh folds. These areas can collect milk, sweat, and lint. You can use just water or a small amount of gentle baby wash.

6. Rinse and Lift Out

Scoop water over your baby to rinse any soap. When you're ready to finish, support your baby's head and neck with one hand and slide your other hand under their bottom. Lift them smoothly out of the water and onto a waiting towel.

7. Dry Thoroughly

Wrap your baby in the towel immediately to keep them warm. Pat (don't rub) them dry, paying attention to all those creases where moisture can linger. Moisture in skin folds can lead to irritation.

8. Moisturise and Dress

Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser if your baby has dry skin. Put on a fresh nappy and dress them in clean clothes. Many parents find this is a perfect time for a feed, leading naturally into sleep.

Safety: The Non-Negotiables

Never, ever leave your baby unattended in or near water—not even for a second. Drowning can happen in just a few centimetres of water, in mere moments. If the phone rings or someone's at the door, either ignore it or take your baby with you, wrapped in a towel.

Always test water temperature before putting your baby in. Water that feels fine to your hand can be too hot for your baby's sensitive skin.

When Baby Hates Bath Time

Many newborns protest loudly during baths—they don't like being cold, undressed, or having their routine disrupted. This is normal and usually improves with age. In the meantime, try these strategies:

Keep baths brief—a few minutes is plenty for a newborn. Warm the room well before starting. Try placing a warm, damp cloth over your baby's tummy while they're in the bath; the weight and warmth can be soothing.

Consider bathing together. Getting into the bath with your baby (with help from another adult to safely hand baby in and out) can be wonderfully calming for both of you. The skin-to-skin contact and warmth often helps anxious bathers relax.

Time it right. A hungry or overtired baby will not enjoy anything; try bathing when your baby is fed, alert, and calm.

Special Considerations

Cradle Cap

Many babies develop cradle cap—scaly, crusty patches on their scalp. It's harmless and usually resolves on its own. You can help by massaging a small amount of baby oil into the scalp, leaving it for a few minutes, then gently brushing with a soft baby brush before washing. Don't pick at the scales.

Dry Skin and Eczema

Newborn skin is sensitive. If your baby has dry patches or eczema, keep baths short, use lukewarm (not hot) water, avoid soap-based products, and apply moisturiser immediately after bathing while skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.

Making Bath Time a Bonding Experience

Once you've mastered the basics, bath time can become a lovely ritual. Talk or sing to your baby throughout—your voice is their favorite sound. Make eye contact. Move gently and confidently—babies pick up on your anxiety, so the calmer you are, the calmer they'll be.

As your baby grows, they'll likely begin to enjoy bath time. Kicking in the water, watching toys float, and splashing become sources of joy. But in these early weeks, the goal is simply clean baby, safe baby, calm parent—everything else is a bonus.

You've got this. Like everything in parenting, bathing gets easier with practice. Before long, you'll be managing bath time with one hand while preparing towels and clothes with the other, wondering what you were ever nervous about.