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How to Bathe a Newborn

Learn the safe and proper techniques for bathing your newborn, including frequency, preparation, and aftercare.

Bathing your newborn can be a daunting task for new parents. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for both you and your baby.

Bathing Frequency

Newborns don't need daily baths. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends bathing your baby about three times a week until they become more mobile [1]. In between baths, clean your baby's face, neck, and diaper area daily.

Preparation

Before starting the bath, gather all necessary supplies:

  1. Soft washcloth
  2. Mild, fragrance-free baby soap and shampoo
  3. Clean diaper
  4. Clean clothes
  5. Soft towel
  6. Warm room (around 75°F or 24°C)

For product recommendations, check our newborn bath essentials guide.

Step-by-Step Bathing Process

1. Prepare the Bath

  • Fill the tub with about 2 inches of warm water (around 100°F or 38°C) [2].
  • Always test the water temperature with your elbow or wrist before placing your baby in the bath.

2. Undress and Place Baby in Bath

  • Undress your baby, keeping them wrapped in a towel.
  • Gently lower your baby into the bath, supporting their head and neck at all times.

3. Washing

  • Use a soft washcloth to clean your baby's face first, then work your way down their body.
  • Pay special attention to skin folds (neck, armpits, groin).
  • Use mild soap sparingly, as it can dry out your baby's skin [3].

4. Shampooing

  • Cup your hand across your baby's forehead to keep suds out of their eyes.
  • Gently wash their head with a small amount of baby shampoo.
  • Rinse thoroughly, still protecting their eyes.

5. Rinsing

  • Use clean water to rinse your baby thoroughly, making sure no soap remains on their skin.

6. Drying

  • Lift your baby out of the tub, supporting their head and neck.
  • Wrap them immediately in a soft towel.
  • Pat them dry gently, paying attention to skin folds.

Safety Considerations

  1. Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, not even for a second [4].
  2. Keep one hand on your baby at all times to prevent slipping.
  3. Avoid using baby powder, which can cause breathing problems if inhaled [5].
  4. Wait until the umbilical cord stump falls off before giving full baths. Until then, stick to sponge baths [6].

After the Bath

  • Dress your baby immediately to prevent chilling.
  • If your baby's skin seems dry, you can apply a small amount of fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer [7].

When to Seek Help

Contact your pediatrician if you notice:

  • Redness or swelling around the umbilical cord stump
  • Persistent diaper rash
  • Unusual rashes or skin conditions

Remember, every baby is unique, and it may take some time to find a bathing routine that works best for you and your little one. With practice, bath time can become an enjoyable bonding experience for both of you.

#NewbornBath #BabyCare #InfantHygiene #ParentingTips #BabySafety

Note: This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician for personalized guidance on caring for your newborn.

Sources

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Bathing Your Newborn. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Bathing-Your-Newborn.aspx

  2. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. (2021). Washing your baby. Australian Government Department of Health. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/washing-your-baby

  3. Telofski, L. S., Morello, A. P., 3rd, Mack Correa, M. C., & Stamatas, G. N. (2012). The infant skin barrier: can we preserve, protect, and enhance the barrier?. Dermatology research and practice, 2012, 198789. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/198789

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Drowning Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html

  5. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Make Baby's Room Safe: Parent Checklist. [https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Make-Babys-Room-Safe.aspx](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Make-Babys-Room-Safe.aspx

  6. Medves, J. M., & O'Brien, B. (2004). The effect of bather and location of first bath on maintaining thermal stability in newborns. Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing : JOGNN, 33(2), 175–182. https://doi.org/10.1177/0884217504263081

  7. Blume-Peytavi, U., Tan, J., Tennstedt, D., Boralevi, F., Fabbrocini, G., Torrelo, A., Soares-Oliveira, R., Haftek, M., Rossi, A. B., Thouvenin, M. D., Mangold, J., Galliano, M. F., Hernandez-Pigeon, H., Aries, M. F., Rouvrais, C., Bessou-Touya, S., Duplan, H., Castex-Rizzi, N., Mengeaud, V., Ferret, P. J., … Dauskardt, R. (2016). Fragility of epidermis in newborns, children and adolescents. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 30 Suppl 4, 3–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.13636