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Medically reviewed by
Shawnté James, M.D., neonatal and pediatric hospitalist
Your baby's first bath is an exciting – if slightly nerve-wracking– newborn milestone. While not all newborns appreciate a bath, splashing around will most likely eventually become enjoyable for both of you. As babies get older, baths can become a fun and relaxing part of their bedtime routine.
Baby baths are relatively straightforward once you get the hang of them, but there are a few basics to keep in mind for your child's health and safety. That's especially true in the first few weeks after birth, and as your baby transitions to the baby tub and the big tub.
Read on to learn baby bath basics, including how and when to bathe a newborn and older baby.
Experts now recommend waiting to give your newborn their first bath until 24 hours after birth (or at least 6 hours, if you need to bathe them earlier for cultural reasons). Doing so helps to prevent a drop in your baby's body temperature and blood sugar, avoids drying out their skin, and supports bonding and breastfeeding.
Until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off, which usually happens within the first three weeks of birth, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends giving your baby sponge baths. That's because keeping the stump clean and dry helps to prevent infection as it heals.
For the same reason, you'll want to skip full-body baths for circumcised newborn boys. If circumcision isn't done immediately after birth, avoid immersion baths for the first two days after the procedure.
You can bathe your baby at any time of the day, depending on what works best for both of you. Some parents make newborn baths part of a stimulating morning routine, while others find it's a calming way to wind down at night before bed.
Try to choose a time when your baby is in a good mood and you're not rushed. Also, avoid giving your baby a bath immediately after a feeding, to give them time to digest.
Until your newborn is ready for full-body baths, give them sponge baths:
For little messes like milk dribbles on your newborn's chin or neck, you can spot-clean with a damp washcloth. Once or twice a day, wipe down your baby's face, neck, and hands, as well as the folds of their skin (thighs, armpits) as needed. And thoroughly clean their genital area with wipes after each diaper change.
Many newborns have scaly, peeling skin on their scalp – a harmless condition known as cradle cap. It won't bother your baby, and it's perfectly fine to leave it alone until it goes away on its own. But if it really bothers you, you can try to remove the scales by washing your baby's hair with baby shampoo and gently passing a soft-bristled brush over your baby's scalp.
Give your newborn a bath two or three times a week. Newborns don't sweat like adults or get dirty like toddlers, so frequent baths aren't a necessity. Plus, bathing your baby too often can dry out their delicate skin. Of course, more frequent baths may be in order when your baby starts eating solids and crawling!
Some babies find the warm water very soothing. If this is the case with your little one, let them linger in the tub and make a bath part of your daily routine.
Others cry through the whole bath. If your newborn protests, go back to sponge baths for a week or two and try again later. Otherwise, it's fine to get them in and out quickly. Baths don't need to take a lot of time: A few minutes is long enough to get your baby clean before the water cools down.
Bathing your newborn in the tub may feel a little scary at first. Handling a wiggling, wet, and soapy little person takes practice and confidence. Here's what to do:
Your baby's bath should feel warm, not hot, to the back of your wrist. Babies like slightly cooler water than adults. If you're using a bath thermometer, aim for around 100 degrees F.
Your baby will be ready to move from a baby tub to a regular bathtub when they're able to sit without support, at around 6 to 8 months old.
Though your older baby is more stable and independent than a newborn, it's still crucial to keep them safe in the tub. Drowning can happen quickly in just an inch or two of water. Always be sure to stay within arm's reach of your baby, and keep bath supplies where you can easily grab them. Never leave your baby unattended for even a moment.
Bathing can get more challenging when you have an older and more active baby. Giving your baby lots of bath toys – such as containers, foam bath letters, and waterproof blocks – can help keep them entertained while you get them clean. If your child enjoys bathing, don't rush it – this will help them to feel more comfortable in the water.
Use soaps and shampoos sparingly, because they can dry out your baby's delicate skin. Avoid bath oils and bubble bath, which can be especially irritating. In baby girls, sitting in soapy water can lead to vulvovaginitis, irritation of the vulva and vagina.
One solution is to let your child play at the beginning of the bath, and wash up with soap and shampoo at the end so they aren't sitting in soapy water for an extended period.
Two-thirds of all drownings in infants under 1 year old happen in bathtubs. Make sure to supervise your baby closely during baths and any other time they're in or near the water.
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