Newborn First Bath: When to Give It, How Often and How to Do It Safely

Quick Answer

Give your newborn’s first bath at least 24 hours after birth, or no earlier than 6 hours if a full day is not possible, as WHO advises. Until the umbilical cord stump falls off, give gentle sponge baths only. After that, a short tub bath in lukewarm water 2 to 3 times a week is enough. Never leave your baby alone in water.

Your baby’s first bath can feel like a big moment, and also a nerve-racking one when your newborn is so tiny and slippery. Family members may want a bath on day one, while the hospital suggests waiting. This guide explains why waiting helps, how to give a sponge bath and a tub bath step by step, and how to keep bath time safe and calm.

When should my newborn have their first bath?

The World Health Organization recommends delaying a newborn’s first bath until 24 hours after birth, or at least 6 hours if a full day is not possible for cultural reasons, as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains.

Waiting has real benefits:

• Warmth: newborns lose heat quickly. A 2022 review of 16 studies found that bathing after 6 hours was linked to lower rates of hypothermia (low body temperature).

• Blood sugar: the same review found lower rates of low blood sugar with a later first bath.

• Breastfeeding: delaying the bath leaves time for skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding, and was linked to more babies being exclusively breastfed at discharge.

• Vernix: the white, creamy coating on your baby’s skin at birth moisturises and may help protect against germs, so it is best left to soak in on its own, the AAP says.

Your birth team may bathe your baby sooner in some situations, for example if the mother has HIV or hepatitis. Once you are home, there is no rush. Waiting a few days for the first proper bath is fine.

How often should I bathe my newborn?

Newborns do not need a daily bath. About three baths a week may be enough for your baby’s whole first year, and bathing more often can dry out the skin, according to the AAP.

Between baths, keep your baby fresh by wiping the face, neck folds, hands and nappy area with warm water. Babies who spit up a lot or have messy nappies may simply need more wiping, not more baths.

Sources: AAP; KidsHealth

What do I need for my baby’s bath?

Gather everything before you start, so you never have to step away from your baby.

• A warm, draft-free room

• A baby bathtub or a clean basin (for sponge baths)

• Two soft washcloths and cotton wool

• A small amount of mild, fragrance-free baby wash, or just water

• A soft towel, preferably hooded

• A clean nappy and clothes

• A fragrance-free moisturiser, only if your baby’s skin is dry

The AAP recommends a hard plastic infant tub with a sloped, textured surface or sling, and advises against bath seats, which can tip over.

How do I give my newborn a sponge bath?

Sponge baths are for the first week or two, until the cord stump falls off. They keep your baby clean without soaking the stump.

1. Prepare: lay your baby on a towel on a flat, padded surface. If it is raised, keep one hand on your baby at all times.

2. Keep warm: wrap your baby in a towel and uncover only the part you are washing.

3. Eyes and face: wipe each eye with a fresh piece of cotton dipped in warm water, from the inner corner outwards. Then wipe the face with a damp washcloth, no soap.

4. Body: wash the neck, arms, chest, back and legs, paying attention to skin folds under the chin, arms and behind the ears.

5. Nappy area last: clean front to back and pat dry.

6. Cord stump: keep it clean and dry. If it gets dirty, clean around it with water and pat dry.

7. Finish: pat dry, put on a clean nappy and dress your baby.

Source: AAP; KidsHealth

How do I give my baby a tub bath?

Once the cord stump has fallen off and the belly button has healed, you can start short tub baths. Keep the first ones brief. If your baby protests, go back to sponge baths for a week or two and try again, as the AAP suggests.

1. Fill the tub first: add about 5 cm (2 inches) of water that feels warm, not hot, on the inside of your wrist or elbow. KidsHealth suggests 32 to 38°C. Turn off the tap before your baby goes in, and never bathe a baby under running water.

2. Lower your baby in gently: support the head and neck with one hand, and lower the feet in first, talking softly as you go.

3. Keep your baby warm: keep the face and most of the body above water, and pour warm water over the body often.

4. Wash gently: use a soft washcloth. A small amount of mild baby wash is only needed for dirty areas. Rinse it off straight away.

5. Hair: wash two or three times a week. Cup your hand across the forehead when rinsing so water runs to the sides, not into the eyes.

6. Lift out carefully: wrap your baby in a towel straight away, pat dry, and moisturise dry patches with a fragrance-free product.

For more on everyday skin care, see our guide to newborn baby skin care.

How do I keep bath time safe?

Babies can drown quickly, most home drownings happen in bathtubs, and hot tap water is a leading cause of burns in young children, the AAP warns. A few habits keep bath time safe:

• Never leave your baby alone in or near water, even for a moment. If you must leave, wrap your baby in a towel and take them with you.

• Keep one hand on your baby at all times.

• Test the water with your wrist or elbow before every bath.

• Keep the water shallow, about 5 cm.

• Do not use bath seats or rings in an adult tub.

• Set your geyser so the hottest tap water is no more than 49°C (120°F), as the AAP recommends.

• Only an adult should bathe the baby, not older siblings, says KidsHealth.

Can I massage my baby before the bath?

Yes, many Indian families give a gentle oil massage before the bath, and this is generally fine for healthy babies. Keep oil away from the cord stump until it has fallen off, use a plain, unscented oil, and make sure the room is warm. Our guide to the benefits of baby massage explains which oils are gentlest and when to skip massage.

Not sure whether to massage before or after the bath? See our guide on massaging before or after a bath.

Which products should I use for my baby’s bath?

Plain water is often enough for newborns. If you use a cleanser, choose a small amount of a mild, fragrance-free baby wash and use it only where needed. The AAP advises using soap sparingly, because it can dry the skin, and moisturising with a fragrance-free product after the bath.

Avoid adult soaps, bubble bath, perfumed products and talcum powder. If you would like a ready option, Mylo’s baby body wash and shampoo is one choice. Check the label and do a small patch test first.

When should I call the doctor?

Call your paediatrician if you notice:

• Redness, swelling, pus, bleeding or a bad smell around the cord stump

• The cord stump has not fallen off after about 2 to 3 weeks

• A rash, dry patches or redness that does not improve with gentle bathing and moisturising

• Your baby feels cold or shivers after the bath and does not warm up quickly with skin-to-skin contact and dressing

• A burn or scald from bath water

Get emergency help straight away if your baby has inhaled or swallowed water and is coughing, struggling to breathe, looks blue or grey, or is floppy or hard to wake.

Frequently asked questions

When should I give my newborn her first bath?

Wait at least 24 hours after birth if possible, or at least 6 hours if a full day is not practical, as WHO recommends. At home, give sponge baths until the cord stump falls off, usually within 1 to 2 weeks, then move to short tub baths. There is no rush: waiting a few days for the first proper bath at home is fine.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for newborns?

There is no official “3-3-3 rule” for newborns from health organisations, and the phrase is used for different things online. Most often it refers to storing breast milk, sometimes described as 3 hours at room temperature, 3 days in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer. The CDC actually allows up to 4 hours at room temperature, 4 days in the fridge, and about 6 months (up to 12) in the freezer. For bathing, a useful rule of thumb is about 3 baths a week.

Can I bathe with my 2 week old baby?

You can bathe with your baby once the cord stump has fallen off and the belly button has healed, as with any tub bath. Keep the water warm, not hot, since adults often prefer hotter water than is safe for babies. Ask another adult to hand your baby to you once you are seated, and to take your baby before you get out, because a wet baby is slippery. Never fall asleep in the bath with your baby, and keep your baby’s face well above water.

Is it okay for a 2 month old baby to take a bath at night?

Yes. An evening bath can be part of a calming bedtime routine. The AAP suggests simple routines such as a bath, rocking, reading and swaddling before placing your baby on their back to sleep. Keep the room warm, dry your baby well, and dress them appropriately for the night.

Should I wash off the white coating (vernix) on my newborn?

No. Vernix moisturises the skin and may help protect against germs, so it is best left to soak in on its own over the first day or so, the AAP advises. You can gently wipe away blood or fluid.

What water temperature is right for a baby bath?

Warm, not hot: about 32 to 38°C, according to KidsHealth. Test it with your inner wrist or elbow, or use a bath thermometer. Mix the water well to avoid hot spots.

My baby cries during baths. What should I do?

It is very common, especially at first. Keep the room warm, keep baths short, cover your baby with a warm washcloth, and talk or sing softly. If your baby still protests, go back to sponge baths for a week or two and try again, as the AAP suggests.

Do I need to use soap or shampoo on my newborn?

Not always. Warm water and a soft cloth are often enough for newborns. If you use soap, choose a mild, fragrance-free baby wash, use only a little on dirty areas, and rinse it off straight away. Wash the hair two or three times a week.

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Bathing your baby.

2. Priyadarshi M, Balachander B, Gupta S, Sankar MJ. Timing of first bath in term healthy newborns: a systematic review. Journal of Global Health, 2022.

3. Nemours KidsHealth. Bathing your baby.

4. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Safe sleep tips for sleep-deprived parents.

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proper storage and preparation of breast milk.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your paediatrician. If you are worried about your baby’s health, contact your doctor.