Baby basics: Your baby’s first bath
Learn how to enjoy this special moment with your baby.
Bathing a slippery newborn may seem scary at first, but with a little practice you’ll soon be enjoying this special moment with your baby. Let’s go over the basics to help get you started!
How to bathe your baby
Doctors recommend giving babies a sponge bath until the umbilical cord stump falls off, which can take around 1-2 weeks.
How to give your newborn a sponge bath
- Undress and wrap your baby in the towel to keep them warm.
- Lay your baby on their back in the prepared area.
- Dampen the washcloth and gently wipe your baby’s face, including each eyelid from the inside to outside corner.
- Then move onto your baby’s body, paying special attention to clean the creases around the arms, behind the ears, around the neck and the genital area.
- Once done, use the towel to dry your baby thoroughly.
Tip: Babies get cold easily, so keep your baby covered in the towel and only expose the parts being washed.
What you need for a sponge bath
- A warm place with a flat surface
- A sink or shallow container to hold the water
- A washcloth or soft bathing sponge
- A towel to dry
- Just water is fine at this stage. If you choose to use soap then make sure it is an unscented mild one suitable for babies.
How to give your baby a bath
Once your baby is ready for one, you can use a clean plastic tub or a sink. Make sure the room is warm, gather the same supplies as the sponge bath plus a cup of rinsing water and baby soap/shampoo if desired.
- Fill the tub with about 5 cm (2 in) of warm – not hot – water. Make sure the temperature is around 30 C (100 F).
- Hold your baby securely with both hands and gently place them into the tub feet first.
- Always keep one hand on your baby and continue to support their head and neck.
- If you think your baby’s hair needs washing, you can apply a drop of mild baby shampoo and massage gently. Rinse carefully, making sure not to get any soap in your baby’s eyes.
- Once done, remove your baby from the tub. Be careful as wet babies can be slippery!
- Use the towel to dry your baby thoroughly, especially around skin creases.
Tip: Talking to your baby throughout the process can help reassure them.
Caution: Babies should always be supervised by an adult while bathing. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a moment. Babies can drown very quickly in just a few centimetres of water.
After bathing
Most babies don’t need lotion after a bath. If their skin is very dry, you can massage a small amount of unscented baby moisturizer into these areas. If dryness continues, you might be bathing your baby too often. Dress or cover your baby once they are dry to keep them warm.
Happy bathing!
Frequently asked questions about bathing a baby
How often should I bathe my baby?
You don’t need to bathe your baby every day. Giving your little one a bath too often can dry out their sensitive skin. Three baths per week is usually enough until your baby becomes more active.
You can keep your baby clean between baths by quickly washing their face, neck, hands and diaper/nappy area with a warm, wet washcloth.
When should I bathe my baby?
Choose a time of the day when you won’t feel rushed. Try to avoid bathing your baby when they're tired, hungry or just after a feed.
Tip: Be extra careful when standing or walking on wet floors while holding your baby.
