Newborn Bath Guide: How Often to Bathe & Essential Safety Tips

How Often Should You Bathe Your Newborn? Bathing a squirmy newborn can feel like risky business: they’re slippery, they’re floppy, and you may be worried you’re not doing it right (hashtag parenting mantra). But with a little practice and understanding the basics of newborn bath time, you’ll be a pro in no time. Whether you’re a brand new parent or parent to a couple of kiddos, you probably still have a few questions about bath time, starting with, “how often should you bathe your newborn?” This guide will walk you through everything from the very first bath to establishing a safe and happy routine, turning potential anxiety into a cherished bonding experience. Are There Benefits to Delaying Your Newborn’s First Bath? Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend delaying your baby’s first bath for the first twenty-four hours after birth. If waiting a full day isn’t possible, delaying the bath for just six hours still benefits your newborn’s overall health. Some of the advantages associated with delaying your newborn’s first bath include: Better bonding. The first hour of direct skin-to-skin contact after your baby is born is known as the “golden hour”. Delaying a newborn’s first bath allows for uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between the baby and any other caregivers, which helps promote bonding, stabilizes the baby’s blood sugar, and regulates their heart rate. Improved breastfeeding success. Interrupting skin-to-skin contact for a bath can negatively impact breastfeeding. Research shows that delaying a bath for just twelve hours increases hospital breastfeeding success compared to babies that were bathed within the first few hours following delivery. Temperature regulation. Even healthy full-term newborns aren’t able to maintain their body temperature in cold environments. Newborns who are bathed too soon have an increased risk for hypothermia (a dangerous drop in body temperature). Healthier skin. Vernix, a waxy coating that covers a newborn’s skin before birth, has antibacterial properties and keeps a newborn’s delicate skin moisturized and protected from irritation and dryness. Think of it as nature's perfect moisturizer and protectant. Delaying the bath allows this beneficial layer to be fully absorbed. It’s more likely than not that your hospital or birthing center is aware of the AAP guidelines for delaying your newborn’s first bath, but if you have any concerns, you can always reach out to your healthcare provider or hospital staff to make sure you’re on the same page. When Should You First Bathe Your Newborn at Home? The AAP recommends waiting until the umbilical stump heals before giving your newborn their first tub bath at home—that usually takes about two weeks. Similarly, circumcision incisions should be fully healed before bathing your little one, as well. Until then, you’ll want to stick to sponge baths to keep your baby clean (avoid bathing in tubs all together). This gentle method prevents the umbilical cord area from getting wet, which helps it dry out and fall off properly. A Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Sponge Bath Preparation is Key Gather all supplies: You'll need a bowl of warm water (not hot), two soft washcloths, a gentle baby cleanser (optional), a hooded towel, a clean diaper, and a change of clothes. Create a warm, safe space: Choose a warm, draft-free room. Lay a plush towel on a flat, secure surface like a changing table or the floor. Never leave your baby unattended on a high surface. The Sponge Bath Process Fill a bowl with warm water. After removing your baby’s clothes, lay her on a towel on a flat surface or in an infant tub (even with a tub, laying a towel under your baby can help keep her in place). Cover her with another towel to keep her warm. Wash small sections at a time, beginning with the face. Dip a washcloth into the warm water, lifting only the part of the towel where you are washing. Use just water for the face. Wipe each eye from the inner corner outward, using a clean part of the washcloth for each eye. Move down the body, using the second washcloth with a tiny drop of cleanser if needed. Pay special attention to cleaning behind the ears and in the neck folds, where milk and spit-up can hide. Be careful to avoid the umbilical cord area. Clean around it gently. Clean the diaper area last. Pat everything dry thoroughly, especially in the creases, before putting on a clean diaper and clothes. Once the umbilical stump has healed, you can begin giving your newborn a proper bath in a baby bathtub, a sink, or in the tub with you. Always ensure that the water temperature is comfortable—not too hot and not too cold (it should feel comfortable on your wrist). And pay special attention to properly supporting your baby’s head and neck during bathtime, they’re still very wobbly. Remember to keep the room warm and draft-free during the bath, and have your bath supplies within reach. Bath time can be a special bonding experience for both you and your newborn, so relax and enjoy this sudsy time together. The more fun you have at bath time, the more your little one will look forward to it in the future. Related: Our Guide to Baby’s First Bath How Often Does Your Newborn Need a Bath? Babies do not need a bath every day—in fact, bathing too frequently can dry out sensitive newborn skin and cause irritation (similarly, use bath gels and shampoo sparingly). A newborn's skin barrier is still developing, and frequent bathing strips away the natural oils that protect it. This can disrupt the skin’s delicate pH balance and microbiome, potentially leading to dryness or worsening conditions like eczema. As long as you make sure to keep those dirt-prone areas clean (diaper area, face and neck, hands, etc.), you will only need to bathe your baby two or three times a week. And don’t worry about shampooing during every bath, either (a real hair wash with shampoo can be done just weekly). If your baby develops cradle cap, you can gently massage the scalp with a soft brush during bath time to help loosen the flakes, but don't over-wash. What Are the Best Bath Products to Use with Newborns? We all know that newborns smell delicious all on their own, so look for mild, fragrance-free, pH-neutral bath gels, shampoos, and lotions that minimize the risk of irritation or an allergic reaction. Because babies have super sensitive skin, make sure to look for toiletries made specifically for infants without any additives or harsh chemicals. Look for products that are "tear-free" and free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Choosing the Right Bath Gea Having the right equipment can make bath time safer and more comfortable for everyone. Baby Bathtub: You have options! In-sink inserts are great for saving your back in the early weeks. Standalone tubs can be placed in a large sink or a regular bathtub. Convertible tubs grow with your baby, transitioning from a newborn sling to a supported seat. Look for a non-slip surface and a drain plug for easy emptying. Hooded Towels: A hooded towel is a must-have. It keeps your baby's head warm as soon as they're out of the water, preventing them from getting chilled. Opt for soft, absorbent materials like cotton terry or bamboo. Washcloths: Choose ultra-soft materials to be gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. Rinse Cup: A simple plastic cup works, but a specialized rinser with a soft, flexible edge can help keep water and soap out of your baby's eyes. Tips for Bathing Your Newborn Ready to go? These are our Albee Baby tips for getting started: Establish a routine. A bath time routine will help set up your baby’s natural clock and reinforce that it’s ‘sleepy time.’ Dim the lights and get your little one ready for Snoozetown. Get your bath supplies together. Have everything you’ll use during bath time organized and within arm’s reach. The essentials include baby shampoo and body wash (or a product that does both), a couple of baby washcloths (they’re smaller and easier to use), a plus towel or two, baby lotion, and a baby bath tub. It’s also super convenient to have a diaper, diaper ointment, and a fresh outfit ready for after the bath. Non-Negotiable Bath Time Safety Rules Gather All Supplies First: Once your baby is in the water, you cannot leave to grab something you forgot. Have everything within arm's reach before you begin. Check the Temperature: Basic bath time safety. Babies under two months old can’t regulate their body temperature and lose heat very quickly. Make sure you’re bathing your baby in a warm room, and that the water temperature is lukewarm (around 100°F or 38°C). Test with your elbow or wrist—they’re more sensitive than your fingertips. On the flipside, make sure to set your water heater below 120 degrees F (49°C) to prevent scalding. Just 2-3 Inches of Water: Fill your tub or sink with just enough water to cover the bottom of your baby’s body (about 2-3 inches). This is all that's needed and is the safest amount. One Hand On, Always: Always keep one hand on that squirmy tummy. Babies are slippery, and this constant contact ensures their safety and helps them feel secure. NEVER, EVER LEAVE YOUR BABY UNATTENDED: This is the most important rule. A baby can drown in less than a minute in just an inch of water. Do not leave them alone, not even for a second. If you must leave the bathroom, wrap your baby in a towel and take them with you. Newborns don’t need bath toys. Infant baths should be short and sweet (just long enough to get the job done). Save the toys for babies who have the strength and motor control to really engage in play. Use cleansing products sparingly. Soaps and cleansers will dry out your baby’s skin, so make sure to use them sparingly. As long as you are thoroughly cleaning your newborn’s diaper area during changes and managing spit-up, there’s usually no need to fully lather your little one up. Apply lotion after baths. To keep your baby’s skin from drying out, make sure to apply a fragrance-free hypoallergenic lotion after you get your baby dried off before getting dressed. Pat the skin gently with the towel, leaving it slightly damp. Applying lotion to damp skin helps lock in moisture. Troubleshooting Common Bath Time Fears "My baby screams during the bath!" Try co-bathing by having your partner hand the baby to you once you're settled in the tub. The skin-to-skin contact can be very calming. You can also try placing a warm, wet washcloth over their belly and chest in the tub to help them feel more secure and prevent chills. "What if they poop in the water?" It happens! Stay calm. Immediately lift the baby out, wrap them in a towel, and place them somewhere safe. Drain the tub, give it a quick clean and rinse, and then you can finish washing your baby with a quick sponge-off or in a freshly drawn bath. "I'm scared of dropping them." A secure hold is key. Use your non-dominant arm to support their neck and head, with your hand gripping their shoulder/upper arm. Use your dominant hand for washing. A bath seat or sling can provide extra support and peace of mind. Finding What’s Right for You Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents, and hope you’re feeling empowered to find the right car seat for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or by email at info@albeebaby.com.