For the first week or two, your newborn only needs gentle sponge baths. You won’t give a full tub bath until the umbilical cord stump dries up and falls off, which typically happens within three weeks. Until then, a warm washcloth and a flat surface are all you need. Here’s how to handle both stages safely.
How Often Newborns Need a Bath
Three baths per week during the first year is enough. Newborns don’t get very dirty, and bathing more often strips the natural oils from their skin, leaving it dry and irritated. On non-bath days, a quick wipe of the face, neck folds, and diaper area keeps your baby clean between baths.
What You’ll Need
Gather everything before you start so you never have to step away. Babies can drown in as little as 1 to 2 inches of water, so keeping one hand on your baby at all times is non-negotiable.
- Two or three soft cotton washcloths (one for the face, one for the body)
- A hooded towel or regular towel for wrapping up afterward
- Gentle, unscented baby cleanser (not bar soap, which can be harsh on newborn skin)
- A clean diaper and change of clothes
- An infant bathtub (for tub baths once the cord falls off)
- A rinsing cup for pouring water over the body and hair
Look for cleansers that are fragrance-free and dye-free. Products labeled “unscented” are a safer bet than those scented with essential oils, which can still irritate sensitive skin. You won’t need lotion unless your baby’s skin looks dry or flaky.
Sponge Baths: Before the Cord Falls Off
While the umbilical cord stump is still attached, you’ll do sponge baths on a flat, padded surface like a changing table or a towel on the floor. The goal is to keep the cord area dry so it heals properly.
Start by making sure the room is warm, around 75°F (24°C), with no drafts. Undress your baby but keep them covered with a towel or blanket, uncovering only the area you’re washing at that moment. This prevents them from losing body heat too quickly.
Work from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest:
- Face first. Wet a washcloth with plain warm water (no soap) and wring it out well. Wipe each eyelid from the inner corner outward. Then gently clean the rest of the face, around the ears, and the neck creases where milk tends to collect.
- Body next. Dip the washcloth in warm, slightly soapy water. Pay attention to the creases under the arms, between the fingers and toes, and behind the ears. These are the spots where moisture and lint hide.
- Diaper area last. Clean this area thoroughly, wiping front to back for girls.
Skip the cord stump entirely. Let it air-dry on its own. Once you’ve cleaned the body, wrap your baby in a towel and then wash the hair with a damp cloth or a small amount of water and cleanser, keeping them bundled so they stay warm.
Tub Baths: After the Cord Falls Off
Once the stump has fallen off and the area underneath looks healed (no redness, no oozing), you can move to tub baths. Fill the infant tub with about 2 to 3 inches of warm water. The temperature should be no more than 100°F (38°C). Test it with the inside of your wrist or elbow, not your hand, since your hands are less sensitive to heat.
As a broader safety step, set your home water heater to no more than 120°F (49°C). This prevents accidental scalding if the hot water tap gets bumped during bath time.
Lower your baby into the tub feet first, supporting their head and neck with one hand and arm the entire time. Use your free hand to wash, following the same top-to-bottom order: face with plain water, then body and hair with a small amount of cleanser. A rinsing cup makes it easier to pour clean water over soapy areas. Keep the bath short, around 5 to 10 minutes, since the water cools quickly and so does your baby.
How to Keep Your Baby Safe
The single most important rule is to never leave your baby alone in water, not even for a few seconds. If the doorbell rings or you forgot something in another room, wrap your baby in a towel and take them with you. Infant bath seats and supportive tub inserts can tip over, so they are not a substitute for your hands.
Always check the water temperature before placing your baby in the tub, even if you checked it a minute ago. Keep one hand on your baby throughout the bath. Having all your supplies within arm’s reach before you start makes this much easier.
Drying and After-Bath Care
Lift your baby out of the tub and immediately wrap them in a towel, patting gently rather than rubbing. A hooded towel helps keep their head warm while you dry the rest of their body. Pay extra attention to drying the skin folds, since trapped moisture can cause irritation.
If your baby’s skin looks smooth and hydrated, you can skip the lotion. If it’s peeling or dry (common in the first few weeks), apply a small amount of unscented moisturizer. Avoid baby powder unless specifically recommended by your pediatrician. If you do use powder, put it in your hand first and then apply it, since shaking it near a baby’s face can cause them to inhale it.
Never use a hair dryer on the hot setting to dry your baby’s hair. Their scalp is thin and burns easily. A gentle towel dry is all you need.
Watching the Umbilical Cord Area
The cord stump usually falls off within three weeks. During that time, keep it dry and let it heal naturally. A little dried blood or minor crusting at the base is normal. But contact your pediatrician if you notice any of these signs of infection:
- Foul-smelling yellow discharge from the cord
- Red, swollen skin around the base
- Your baby crying when you touch the cord or the skin next to it
- Active bleeding from the cord
If the stump hasn’t fallen off by three weeks, that also warrants a call to the doctor.