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Bathing your Baby

Bathing Your Baby: A step-by-step guide

Bath time can be one of the loveliest parts of the day with your baby. But the first few baths can also feel a bit nerve-wracking, especially with a newborn. This page walks you through what to gather, how to bath your baby safely, and what to avoid.

You don’t need to bath your baby every day. 2 to 3 times a week is plenty for a newborn, with a gentle “top and tail” wash on the other days (face, neck, hands and bottom).

What you need

  1. Baby bath (or a clean, washed sink) of a comfortable height
  2. A roll of cotton wool
  3. Towels and a blanket (one large bath towel for wrapping baby, one for drying)
  4. Mild, unscented bathing lotion (only if you wish to use one; plain water is fine for newborns)
  5. Baby shampoo (mild, unscented, designed for babies, not adult shampoo)
  6. A bath thermometer, optional but helpful
  7. A clean nappy and clothes ready for after the bath

Make sure everything is within arm’s reach before you start. Never leave your baby unattended in or near water, not even for a moment.

How to bath your baby

Step 1. Warm the room

Ensure the room is warm, with all your requirements close at hand. Babies lose heat very quickly when undressed.

Step 2. Fill the bath

Fill the bath with cold water first, then add the hot water just before the bath. The water should be warm, not hot. Check the temperature with your elbow (it should feel comfortably warm, not hot), or use a bath thermometer aiming for around 37.7°C.

Step 3. Undress baby to the nappy, and wrap in a towel

Undress baby down to their nappy. Wrap baby in the bath towel, enclosing the arms gently. This helps keep them warm and feel secure while you wash their face and head.

Step 4. Wash baby’s face and head with cotton wool

Wash baby’s face and head with cotton wool moistened in water. When washing the eyes, use a separate cotton wool ball for each eye, wiping from the inner corner to the outer corner. Do not use soap on the face.

Step 5. Wash baby’s hair

Supporting baby’s head over the bath, gently wet the hair, apply a small amount of baby shampoo, and rinse off thoroughly. Pat the head dry before unwrapping baby.

Step 6. Remove the nappy

Take the nappy off, and clean any soiling first with cotton wool and warm water.

Step 7. Place baby in the bath

Lower baby gently into the bath, supporting their head and shoulders with one arm and hand. Use your other hand to wash. Pay attention to the skin folds in the neck, under the arms, and at the groin. Keep talking softly throughout; your voice is reassuring.

Step 8. Lift baby out and dry thoroughly

Lift baby out, supporting head and bottom. Wrap immediately in a warm towel and pat dry, especially in skin folds. Dress baby quickly and feed if needed.

After the bath

Once baby is dry and dressed, this is often a lovely settled time for a cuddle, a feed and a nap. A few extra points:

  • Umbilical cord care: Until the cord stump falls off (usually 5 to 15 days), keep it clean and dry. Fold the nappy down so it does not cover the cord, and pat the area dry after a bath. Contact your midwife or GP if it becomes red, smelly, or starts to discharge.
  • Skin: Newborn skin is delicate. Most babies do not need any cream or lotion. If the skin is dry, use a small amount of plain, fragrance-free moisturiser, never on the face.
  • Cradle cap: Yellow, flaky patches on the scalp are very common. They are harmless and usually clear by themselves. Gentle massage with a little olive oil or baby oil for a few hours before bath time can help loosen the flakes.

Things to avoid

Do instead

  • Keep one hand on your baby at all times.
  • Use mild, fragrance-free baby products, or just water.
  • Use a small amount of fragrance-free moisturiser on dry patches if needed.
  • Top-and-tail wash while the cord stump heals, with brief baths around it.
  • Bath your baby when they are awake, alert, and content.

Don't

  • Leave your baby unattended in or near water, ever, even for a second.
  • Use adult bath products, scented soaps or bubble bath.
  • Use baby oil, mineral oil or petroleum jelly on broken or sore skin.
  • Submerge the umbilical cord stump while it is still attached.
  • Bath your baby straight after a feed; wait at least 30 minutes.