A Comprehensive Guide on Bathing a Newborn

Among the many tasks new parents have to do for caring for a new baby, bathing a newborn can be extremely daunting. Newborns are incredibly fragile, and trying to bathe a wriggly, wet baby is a Herculean task. As intimidating as it may seem, with simple tips and the right supplies, you can make bath time with your newborn an enjoyable bonding experience. We’ve created a guide on everything you need to know about bathing a newborn, including the supplies you’ll need, how to prepare, the actual bathing process, and safety tips.

Before bathing your newborn, ensure you have all necessary supplies, including a baby towel, washcloths, baby bathtub, mild baby-safe soaps and shampoo, face creams, diapers, and clothes. Choose a safe bathing area with proper temperature control, and never leave your baby unattended during bath time. Be mindful of water temperature, support your baby’s head and neck, and keep all essentials within reach to ensure a smooth and safe bathing process.

Keep reading for more details and tips on bathing your newborn; get your baby, warm up the water, and let’s get started!

Supplies You’ll Need

Before drawing the bath, make sure you have everything you need. Here are some of the items that you should have ready:

• You will need a soft baby towel to wrap your baby up after their bath to keep them warm and dry
• Several small baby washcloths to clean them during the bath
• A special baby bathtub is the safer, more convenient option than giving your newborn a bath in the sink or a full-sized bathtub
• Use only mild baby-safe soaps and shampoo specifically designed for babies. Regular soaps can be too harsh for their delicate skin.
• Some baby face creams and lotions can also help moisturize their skin after the bath.
• Lay out a fresh diaper, baby wipes, and clean clothes.

Preparing for Bathing a Newborn

Choose a Safe Bathing Area: Decide where you’ll bathe your baby. Many parents opt for a baby bathtub placed on a stable surface like a countertop, on the floor, or in the bathtub itself. Make sure the area is clean and free of any hazards.

Set the Room’s Temperature: Newborns are sensitive to temperature changes, so make sure the bathing area is comfortably warm. Close all doors and windows as they could let in a draft. Aim for a room temperature of around 75°F – 80°F. You can also use a space heater or warm the room up if needed.

Check the Water’s Temperature: The ideal water temperature for a baby bath is between 90°F and 100°F, according to pediatric experts. If the water is too hot, it can cause discomfort or burns. If the water is too cold, it can shock your baby’s system. You can check the temperature using a thermometer or test it with your hand.

Safety Tips

Here are some proper safety measures to follow to keep everything going smoothly:

Don’t leave your baby alone: Never leave your newborn unattended at any point during their bathtime, even if it’s only for a few seconds. It is important that someone continuously monitors what is happening at all times to prevent any accidents throughout this process.

Always check the water’s temperature first: Don’t place your baby in the water without checking it yourself first. 

Use mild, fragrance-free products: Use mild, fragrance-free baby soap and shampoo specifically formulated for newborns to avoid skin irritation. Avoid using adult products as they may contain harsh chemicals that could harm your baby’s delicate skin.

Support your baby’s head and neck: Always support your baby’s head and neck with one hand while bathing them. Keep a firm grip, but be gentle to avoid accidental slips or injuries.

Be cautious of the water level: For newborns, only fill the bath with a few inches of warm water, just enough to cover their body. Deeper water increases the risk of drowning, even in a small amount.

Have everything you need in the same room: Gather all the required supplies before bathing your baby so they can be ready to hop right in when the time comes. Everything should be within arm’s reach so that you don’t have to leave your baby alone at any point during their bathtime. If you need to step away, wrap your baby in a towel and take them with you.

Pay attention to your baby’s reactions: Pay close attention to how your baby reacts throughout this process, keeping an eye out for changes in behavior, such as excessive squirming, squeaking, fussing, or crying, which could indicate something is wrong. If this happens, note what happened before these changes and adjust accordingly.

The Bathing Process

Start by preparing the bathing space with everything you might need within reach. This includes a baby bathtub or a small, stable basin filled with about 2-3 inches of warm water—ideally around 100°F. Always double-check the temperature with your wrist or elbow to make sure it’s not too hot. Beside the tub, lay out a soft, dry towel where you can place your baby immediately after the bath.

Gently undress your baby, keeping them covered as much as possible to prevent cold chills. With one hand supporting their back and neck, carefully lower your baby into the water feet first, using your other hand to support their bottom. It’s important during this stage to ensure that your grip is secure but gentle, providing reassurance with your touch.

Once your baby is in the water, allow them a moment to adjust. You can gently scoop some water with your hand and trickle it over their body. This helps them get used to the water temperature gradually. When cleaning their face and ears, stick to using just water and perhaps a soft, damp cloth—soaps can be irritating to these sensitive areas.

For the rest of their body, use a soft sponge or washcloth paired with a mild, tear-free baby soap. Begin by gently washing their neck and shoulders before moving down to their chest, arms, and then their legs and feet. It’s essential to wash all the folds and crevices of the baby’s skin thoroughly to prevent irritation from trapped moisture or dirt.

When it’s time to wash their hair, you can do so by carefully tilting their head back slightly to avoid getting shampoo in their eyes. Gently massage their scalp with your fingertips or a soft washcloth. Once you’ve lathered the shampoo, make sure to rinse it out completely, as residue can cause dryness and irritation.

After the final rinse, carefully lift your baby out of the bath, supporting their head and bottom securely. Wrap them in the dry towel you’ve prepared, gently patting and not rubbing their skin to dry it. Begin at the head and work your way down to their toes, paying extra attention to drying between those little fingers and toes.

Now it’s time to moisturize their skin with a gentle baby lotion, which helps to keep their skin soft and prevents dryness. Pay particular attention to areas that can get especially dry or where skin meets skin.

Finally, dress your baby in a clean diaper and fresh clothes. Choose soft fabrics that won’t irritate their tender skin. With your baby clean, dry, and happily bundled, you’ve not just successfully navigated another bath time—you’ve also created a moment of warm, nurturing care that supports the precious bond between you and your baby.