Bathing a newborn

How often to bath your newborn

A bath 2-3 times a week is enough to keep your newborn baby clean. But if you and your baby enjoy bath time, your baby can have a bath once a day. Bathing more than this can dry out your baby’s skin.

About 5-10 minutes is long enough for a newborn bath. This is especially important if your baby has dry or sensitive skin.

When to bath your newborn

You can bath your newborn baby at any time of the day. Try to pick a time when you’re relaxed and unlikely to be interrupted.

If bathing relaxes your baby, you can use it as a way of settling your baby for sleep in the evening.

Where to bath your newborn

You can give your newborn baby a bath in a baby bath or even in a clean sink. You can bath your baby in any room that’s warm, safe and clean – it doesn’t have to be a bathroom.

You can also shower with your baby. Keep your baby’s face away from the pouring water and make sure to use water that’s warm, but not hot.

How to get ready for a newborn bath

1. Gather the things you need

Make sure you have everything you need within reach – for example, towel, washcloth, mild baby cleanser, cream or ointment, clean clothes and clean nappy.
Avoid using soap because this will dry out your baby’s skin. You can use a mild baby cleanser instead if needed.
Turn your phone to silent so it doesn’t distract you while you’re bathing your baby.

2. Set up the bath

Position the bath somewhere stable and at a height where you can comfortably hold your baby, like on the kitchen table.
Take off your watch and jewellery and wash your hands.

3. Put water in the bath

Use just enough warm water to wash your baby.
If you’re bathing your baby away from a tap, use jugs to carry water to the bath.
If you’re bathing your baby in a sink, briefly run cold water through the tap before you turn it off.
Don’t add extra water while your baby is in the bath.

4. Check the water temperature

Check that the water temperature is safe. It should be 37-38°C.
Use your wrist or elbow to test the temperature if you don’t have a thermometer. The water should be comfortably warm, but not hot.

How to give your newborn a bath

1. Clean your newborn’s face

Before undressing your baby, wipe their eyelids (from inner eye to outer eye) with cotton wool or a soft washcloth dipped in lukewarm water. Squeeze out extra water. Use a new piece of cotton wool or clean part of the cloth for each wipe.
Wash your baby’s whole face. Don’t put anything into their ears or nose.
Undress your baby, taking off their nappy last.

2. Put your newborn into the bath

Cradle your baby’s head and shoulders with one arm, and support their body with your other arm.
Gently lower your baby into the bath, feet first.
Keep a close hold on your baby at all times.

3. Wash your newborn

Wash your baby using a soft washcloth and warm water. Use mild baby cleanser if needed.
First clean your baby’s neck and body. Clean in between their body creases.
Clean your baby’s genitals and bottom last, always wiping from front to back.

Option: wash your newborn’s hair

Wash your baby’s hair once or twice a week. It’s best to do this after you wash the rest of your baby’s body, so your baby’s head doesn’t get cold.
While you support your baby in the bath, gently splash water onto their head and wipe their head with a clean washcloth. You don’t need to use shampoo.

Another option is to wash and dry your baby’s hair before the bath, while they’re wrapped in a towel.

Children can drown in a few seconds in very shallow water. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even if you’re using a bath seat or cradle. Never leave older children or siblings to supervise. If you’re disturbed by the phone or another task, take your baby out of the bath.

How to dry and dress your newborn after a bath

1. Take your newborn out of the bath

Supporting your baby’s head and neck, lift your baby out of the bath then place them on their back on a clean, dry, soft towel.
If possible, dry your baby on the floor so they can’t fall.
If you’re changing your baby on a raised surface like a table, always keep one hand on your baby.

2. Dry your newborn

Wrap your baby in a soft towel.
Pat your baby dry.
Dry in between your baby’s skin creases, including armpits, groin, under the chin, around the neck and behind the ears.

3. Use creams as needed and dress your newborn

If your baby’s skin is dry, apply a non-perfumed moisturiser to their skin.
Apply a thick barrier cream like zinc paste to the nappy area.
Don’t use talcum powder or cornstarch-based baby powder on your baby’s skin.
Dress your baby, putting their nappy on first.

4. Finish up

Place your baby in a safe place, like a cot or bassinette.
Empty the bath water and remove bath plugs from the bath.

Bathing your baby takes practice, so try to relax and take your time. You might like to start by bathing your baby when someone else is around to help. If you’re worried about losing your grip on your baby, you can make the bath less slippery by lining it with a clean cloth nappy or towel.

How to help your newborn enjoy bath time

Some newborns enjoy being in the bath and others take time to get used to it.

To help your newborn baby enjoy bath time, you can try placing your hand gently on their tummy. You can also place a warm, wet washcloth on their chest and tummy. This can help your baby feel safe and secure in the bath.

If your baby doesn’t enjoy bath time, you can keep baths short or do them less often.

For more information, check out our illustrated guide to bathing a newborn.

How to keep your newborn clean between baths: top and tail baths

On days when your baby doesn’t have a bath, you can give them a ‘top and tail’ bath.

A ‘top and tail’ bath is when you clean only your baby’s:

eyes and face
hands
bottom and genitals.

You can leave most of your baby’s clothes on for a ‘top and tail’ bath. Or you can take off your baby’s clothes and wrap your baby in a soft towel.

Cleaning your baby’s eyes and face

Start by wiping your baby’s eyelids (from inner eye to outer eye) with cotton wool or a soft washcloth dipped in lukewarm water. Use a new piece of cotton wool or clean part of the cloth for each wipe.
Wash your baby’s whole face.
Don’t put anything into your baby’s ears or nose.

Cleaning your baby’s hands, bottom and genitals

Use fresh cotton wool or a different washcloth and warm water.
Use a mild baby cleanser if needed.
Clean your baby’s genitals and bottom last. Always wipe from front to back, just as you would during a nappy change.

‘Topping and tailing’ means you can concentrate on the areas that really need a wash, and your baby can stay warm in their clothes or wrapped in a towel while you do it.