How often should you give your baby a bath?
A bath 2-3 times a week is enough to keep your 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 baby bath. This is especially important if your baby has dry or sensitive skin.
When should you bath your baby?
You can bath your baby at any time of day, but try to pick a time when you’re relaxed and not likely to be interrupted.
If bathing relaxes your baby, you can use it as a way of settling your baby in the evening. Some babies might fall asleep more easily or sleep longer after an evening bath.
Where should you bath your baby?
You can bath your baby in a baby bath until they no longer fit comfortably. After this it might be easier to bath your baby in a big bath, if you have one.
If you bath your baby in a big bath, you might like to take a bath together, if this is something you enjoy. You can stay safe by having an extra person around to help.
Another option is to shower with your baby. Keep your baby’s face away from the pouring water and make sure the water isn’t too hot.
Many babies enjoy playing with toys in the bath, like simple plastic cups. If you’re buying bath toys, make sure they meet Australian safety standards and are age appropriate. Look for ones that don’t trap water and can be easily cleaned. Also, avoid foam bath toys, because they’re not recommended for children under 3 years.
How to set up a safe baby bath
Drowning and scalds are the main risks with bath time. With these tips, you can avoid these risks and keep bath time fun and safe for your baby.
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. This way you can keep your eyes and hands on your baby at all times.
- Turn your phone to silent so it doesn’t distract you while you’re bathing your baby.
2. Make sure the environment is safe
- Make sure all bath lotions and electrical appliances are out of your baby’s reach.
- Take off your watch and jewellery.
- Wash your hands.
- Put a non-slip bath mat on the bathroom floor and one in the bath.
3. Fill the bath
- Fill the bath with just enough warm water to wash your baby.
- For babies who can sit up, fill the bath to the depth of their belly buttons.
- If you’re using a big bath, run cold water through the tap before turning it off.
4. Check the water temperature
- Check that the water is a safe temperature – 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.
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 give your baby a bath
1. Put your baby into the bath
- Gently lower your baby into the bath, always keeping a hand on your baby.
- If you’re bathing your baby in a big bath, kneel or sit on a low stool so that you don’t hurt your back.
2. Wash your baby
- Start by using a soft washcloth and water to gently clean your baby’s face.
- Next use a clean washcloth and add mild baby cleanser if needed to clean your baby’s neck and body.
- Clean your baby’s genitals and bottom last, always wiping from front to back.
- Avoid soap and bubble baths, and try to keep shampoos to a minimum – they can all irritate skin and cause nappy rash.
Option: wash your baby’s hair
- Wash your baby’s hair once or twice a week or when it looks dirty.
- While you support your baby in the bath, gently splash water onto their head and wipe their head with a clean washcloth.
- Wash your baby’s hair at the end of bath time. This can help your baby stay warm in the bath.
As your baby gets older, they’ll try to pull themselves up or stand up in the bath, so make sure you’re holding onto them. A non-slip bath mat or surface in your bath will help to keep them safe too. You can also gently sit them down or encourage them to sit.
How to dry and dress your baby after a bath
1. Take your baby out of the bath
- Gently 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 baby
- Wrap your baby in a soft towel, and pat them 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 baby
- 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.
How to keep your baby 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
- 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.