Baby · 9 min read
How to Bathe a Newborn: Tips for Baby's First Bath
Everything you need for a calm, safe first bath — water temperature, gentle cleansers, and how often is often enough.
A newborn's first bath is a milestone — and, for many new parents, a source of pure nerves. The good news: it's simpler than it looks.
Start with sponge baths until the umbilical stump falls off (usually one to three weeks). All you need is a warm room, a soft towel, water, and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
Keep the water between 37–38°C (98–100°F) — warm to the inside of your wrist, never hot. Never run the water while the baby is in the tub; fill first, test second.
Two to three baths a week is plenty in the first months. More than that can dry out delicate skin, which is exactly what you're trying to protect.
Work top to toe: eyes first with plain water, then face, then the diaper area last with a soft cloth and a mild wash. Pat dry — don't rub — and seal in moisture with a gentle lotion within a few minutes.
That's it. Short, warm, and calm beats long and elaborate every single time.
