For new parents, bathing a newborn can be a difficult task that combines feelings of joy and fear. The delicate nature of your tiny bundle of joy, coupled with the challenge of keeping them safe and comfortable, can raise a lot of questions. How frequently should they be bathed? What is the ideal baby bath temperature? Naturally, how can you make sure that bath time is fun for both you and your child? However, with a few tips and some practice, this can become a calming, enjoyable routine for both you and your baby.
In this guide, we will cover the basics of how to bathe a newborn safely and comfortably, along with essential tips to make the process smoother.
When to start bathing a baby daily?
Newborns don’t need frequent baths—two or three times a week is often enough, as over-bathing can dry out its delicate skin. In the first week or so, it’s best to clean the skin with a warm wet clean cloth until the umbilical cord stump falls off and heals (usually within the first two weeks). Once the area is healed, you can start giving your baby a full bath.
Essentials you will need for bathing a newborn:
Before starting, gather everything you will need to avoid leaving your baby unattended during the bath. Here’s a checklist of essentials:
Baby bathtub or a soft, clean sink (Make sure the water depth is shallow, around 2-3 inches.)
Mild baby soap or body wash (Choose products that are fragrance-free.)
Soft washcloths
Soft towel (A hooded towel is helpful for keeping your baby warm afterward.)
Clean diaper and baby clothes
Mug for rinsing (Optional, but helpful.)
How to bathe a newborn step-by-step
Step 1: Undress Your Baby
Remove your baby’s clothes, but keep their diaper on until you are ready to place them in the bath. This will help prevent any surprise accidents!
Step 2: If Umbilical Cord is Still Healing:
Wipe their cheeks, neck, hands, and the folds around their arms and legs with a gentle cloth soaked in warm water. Pay special attention to areas that can accumulate milk, like under their chin and around the neck.
Step 3: Place Your Baby in the Tub. You can begin full bathing after the remaining portion of the umbilical cord has fallen off. With one hand, hold your baby’s head and neck while you slowly lower them, feet first, into the bath. Keep most of their body above water, only immersing the lower half.
Step 4: Gently Wash the Baby
Cleanse your baby gently, starting from the face and working your way down, using a gentle washcloth or your hand. Newborn skin requires little soap, so use it carefully, especially on their face.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off any soap with a cup or your hand. To prevent soap or water from going in your baby’s mouth or eyes, be cautious around their face.
Step 6: Carefully Remove Your Baby from the Bath
Holding your baby close to your body for further safety, raise them out of the bath with one hand supporting their head and the other holding
their bottom. When damp newborns can be extremely slippery, proceed cautiously and maintain a tight grip.
After the baby’s bath, pat your baby’s skin dry rather than rubbing it to prevent irritation, and wrap them gently in a soft, hooded towel to keep them warm. Use a mild lotion without fragrance if necessary to moisturize any dry areas, but stay away from the face and eyes. Babies should be dressed in warm, clean clothing as soon as possible because their bodies lose heat quickly.
Additional tips for bathing a newborn
Stay Calm and Confident: Babies are sensitive to your emotions, therefore the more at ease you are, the more comfortable they will be.
Talk or Sing to Your Baby: Bath time is a wonderful way to strengthen connections. Your infant will feel more at ease and safe if you talk or sing quietly to them.
Never Leave Your Baby Unattended: Never leave your infant alone in the bathtub, not even for a moment. Take your infant with you if you have to move away.
Use Minimal Products: Because newborn skin is so sensitive, stay away from products with overpowering scents or unnecessary substances.
A quick recap of water safety
Use lukewarm water only.
Always keep one hand on your baby for support.
Avoid deep water.
Keep everything within reach before starting.
Following these steps can make bath time a special bonding experience with your baby. Cherish these moments! Keep in mind, every baby is unique—some may love the water right away, while others might need a bit of time to get comfortable. With patience, you and your baby will soon find a rhythm that feels just right.At Aloha Kids Clinic, we are here to support you every step of the way in caring for your child’s health. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out—we are always here to help.
skin requires little soap, so use it carefully, especially on their face.
You can turn the baby face down to wash their back and buttocks thoroughly.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off any soap with a mug or your hand. To prevent soap or water Bathing without Bath Tub
Step 1: Undress Your Baby
Remove your baby’s clothes, but keep their diaper on until you are ready to place them in the bath. This will help prevent any surprise accidents!
Step 2: If Umbilical Cord is Still Healing:
Wipe their cheeks, neck, hands, and the folds around their arms and legs with a gentle cloth soaked in warm water. Pay special attention to areas that can accumulate milk, like under their chin and around the neck.
Step 3: Get another person to assist you. Get a bucket of lukewarm water with a mug and soap/body wash next to you.
Sit on a slightly raised stool in the bathroom and place your baby on your extended legs. You can begin full bathing after the remaining portion of the umbilical cord has fallen off. With one hand, hold your baby’s head and neck while you pour water on them neck down.
Step 4: Gently Wash the Baby
Cleanse your baby gently starting from the neck and working your way down, using your hand. Wash their face and head at the end. Newborn from going in your baby’s mouth or eyes, be cautious around their face.
Step 6: Carefully Hand over the baby to another person at the end of the bath.
When damp, newborns can be extremely slippery, proceed cautiously and maintain a tight grip.
We at Aloha Kids Clinic are committed to answering any of your questions regarding the health of your child, including key topics like immunizations and child care. Your little one’s health is our priority! Call us today at 9606077401 to make an appointment and address your concerns.