Tips for bathing your newborn

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article does not constitute medical advice and does not come from a medical professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or pediatrician for advice related to your child's health.

For those who are new to baby bathing, it's completely natural to feel a little unsure about handling this delicate and somewhat slippery task. So, we´ll dive right into the basics. This will hopefully help you feel more confident during bath time – especially for your baby´s first bath and those early months.

Safety First

Every baby is different, and it's essential to adapt your bathing routine to your baby's needs and comfort. If you have specific concerns or questions about bathing your newborn, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

When bathing a newborn, baby, or toddler, safety always comes first. No matter how old your little one is, never leave your child alone or unattended in a bathtub. Even if the bath water seems shallow, there's always a risk. It's crucial to follow established safety guidelines and stay with your baby throughout the bath.

Make sure you’ve prepared everything in advance so you can stay with and focused on your child, making it a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both of you.

When can I bath my newborn?

There is some debate as to when the best time to begin bathing your newborn is. Most of this discussion revolves around whether it's safe to bathe a baby while their umbilical cord is still attached. Many sources agree that it's generally safer to wait until the umbilical cord falls off, typically occurring within the first few weeks of life.

Until the umbilical cord falls off and the naval area has healed, it´s generally recommended to sponge bath your newborn by gently cleaning your baby´s face, neck, hands, and diaper area. This is known as a top and tail bath. Once the umbilical cord has come off, you can transition to a regular bath.

How often do I need to bath them?

There's no strict rule for how often to bathe your baby. In their first few weeks, babies don't move much or get very dirty, so they don't need daily baths. However, if it doesn't stress them out and they enjoy being bathed, there’s no reason you can’t bathe them once a day.

While advice varies, most point to around two times a week being ideal. On other days, you can give them a top and tail bath as mentioned above - cleaning their face, head, and neck with cotton wool pads, and their bottom with baby wipes after changing diapers.