Newborn Bath Time: A Simple Step-by-Step Routine

The first time you bathe your newborn, it can feel like the whole house goes quiet. You've lined up the towel, tested the water twice, and your baby suddenly seems very small and very slippery. Most new parents feel a little nervous here. You're not alone.

The good news: newborn baths are short, simple and don't need to happen every day. Once you've done a few, they become one of the sweetest parts of the week. Here's a step-by-step routine for sponge baths and first tub baths, based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Key takeaways

• Give sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off, usually within 1 to 2 weeks.
• The AAP says about three baths a week may be enough in the first year. More often can dry out your baby's skin.
• Use about 2 inches of water that feels warm, not hot. Test it with your inner wrist or elbow.
• Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a moment.

Before you start

Pick a time that suits you. There's no best time of day. Choose a moment when you're not rushed and are unlikely to be interrupted. Some parents like a morning bath when baby is alert. Others make it part of a calm bedtime routine. If you bathe after a feed, give your baby's tummy a little time to settle first.

Warm the room. A wet baby gets chilly quickly, so close windows and turn off fans. A comfortably warm room works well. Healthline suggests around 75°F (24°C) for a sponge bath.

Gather everything first, so you never have to step away:

• A basin or baby tub
• 2–3 soft washcloths
• A hooded towel, laid out and ready
• A mild, fragrance-free baby cleanser (optional)
• A clean diaper and clothes
• A small cup for rinsing

What you'll need on hand

Washcloths and towels get used every day, for baths, quick wipe-downs and spit-up. Here's a simple guide:

How to give a sponge bath

Until the cord stump falls off, stick to sponge baths.

1. Set up a flat surface. Lay your baby on a towel on a changing table, bed or floor. Keep one hand on your baby the whole time.
2. Keep them wrapped. Undress your baby, wrap them in a towel, and uncover only the part you're washing.
3. Start with the face. Use a washcloth and plain warm water, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Wipe each eyelid from the inner corner to the outer corner.
4. Work your way down. Wash the neck, arms, tummy, back and legs. Pay extra attention to skin folds under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck and between fingers and toes.
5. Diaper area last. Wash from front to back.
6. Pat dry and dress. Pat, don't rub, especially in the creases.

How to give a tub bath

Once the cord stump has fallen off and the area has healed, you can move to a baby tub.

1. Fill with about 2 inches of water. It should feel warm, not hot. Mayo Clinic suggests about 100°F (38°C). The AAP recommends setting your water heater to no more than 120°F to help avoid burns, and never bathing your baby under running water.
2. Lower your baby in feet first, supporting the head and neck with one hand. Keep most of the body and face well above the water.
3. Wash the face and hair first. Use plain water on the face. The AAP says washing hair two or three times a week is plenty, with a small amount of mild shampoo or body wash.
4. Work from top to bottom. Use only a little cleanser where it's needed, and rinse it off right away.
5. Keep them warm. Pour cupfuls of warm bath water over your baby's body throughout the bath.
6. Keep one hand on your baby at all times. If the doorbell or phone rings, wrap your baby in a towel and take them with you.

A note on bath seats: A bath seat is not a substitute for your hands. The AAP advises against bath seats, because they can tip over and a baby can slip into the water.

After the bath

• Wrap right away. Put the hood over your baby's head as you lift them out, then wrap the rest of the towel around them. (What is a hooded baby towel?)
• Pat dry, paying attention to the creases in the neck, arms, legs and diaper area.
• Moisturize if needed. If your baby's skin is dry, the AAP suggests a small amount of fragrance-free moisturizer after the bath. Many newborns don't need it at all.
• Diaper and dress, then enjoy a cuddle.

Cord care basics

The AAP's advice is simple: keep the stump clean and dry. There's no need for rubbing alcohol. Fold the diaper down below the stump so it stays dry. A few drops of blood on the diaper when it falls off is normal.

The stump usually falls off within 1 to 2 weeks, and the AAP says it should be gone by about 3 weeks. Call your pediatrician if it's still there after that, if it actively bleeds, or if you see yellowish, bad-smelling discharge, red skin around the base, or your baby cries when you touch it.

Keep it short and calm

Newborn baths only need 5 to 10 minutes. Talk or sing softly, keep your movements slow, and don't worry about getting everything perfect. Between baths, a quick wipe of the face, neck, hands and diaper area with a damp washcloth keeps your baby fresh.

Quick answers

Do I need soap? Not always. Plain water is enough for the face and most of the body. The AAP suggests using soap sparingly, choosing a mild cleanser only for areas that need it, and rinsing it off right away.

How often should I bathe my newborn? About three times a week is plenty in the first year, according to the AAP.

When is the first bath? The AAP notes that the World Health Organization recommends waiting 24 hours after birth, or at least 6 hours if a full day isn't possible. At home, sponge baths come first, until the cord stump falls off.

Learn more in the AAP's guide to bathing your newborn and umbilical cord care.

Shop Lamb Babies bath essentials Soft basics for every bath:

• Baby Washcloths: a set of 6 washcloths made from viscose derived from bamboo, in Gray or White.
• Snuggle Baby Hooded Towel: a roomy 35 x 35 in hooded towel made from viscose derived from bamboo.

Related articles

• What Is a Hooded Baby Towel?

This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Ask your pediatrician if you have questions about bathing your baby, cord care or your baby's skin.