The first bath at home can feel like a lot. Newborns are slippery, they don't love being cold and there's always one thing you forgot to grab. The good news is that it gets easier fast, and a bit of setup before the water goes in makes all the difference.
Sponge baths first
Until the umbilical cord stump falls off, which is usually within the first couple of weeks, most pediatricians suggest sponge baths rather than tub baths. Lay your baby on a towel on a safe, flat surface, keep them wrapped and wash one part at a time with a warm, damp washcloth. Your pediatrician will tell you when it's time for the tub.
Get everything ready before the water
You won't be able to step away once your baby is in the bath, so set out everything first:
- A mild, baby-friendly wash (you need very little)
- A soft washcloth and a cup for rinsing
- A towel, a clean diaper and clothes, laid out in the order you'll need them
- A warm room, since babies lose heat quickly when wet
How warm and how deep?
Aim for warm, not hot, around 100°F (38°C). Test it with your wrist or elbow, which are more sensitive than your hand, and swirl the water so there are no hot spots. A couple of inches of water is plenty for a young baby.
Step by step
- Support the head and neck with one arm and lower your baby in feet first.
- Keep one hand on your baby the whole time.
- Wash from top to bottom: face with plain water, then the body, and the diaper area last.
- Rinse with a cup, keeping water away from their eyes.
- Lift out and wrap straight away. Five to ten minutes is long enough.
A bath support gives you a free hand
A bath support holds your baby at a gentle angle so you have a hand free to wash. There are two styles:
- A cushion with a headrest. The Dew bath support cushion has a raised headrest, a padded leg rest and a mesh center that dries quickly. Its straps clip over the edges of the tub.
- A slim pad. The Starry bath support mat is just 1.2 inches thick, with a soft fabric top and clip-on corner straps, and it hangs up to dry.
Both are for 0 to 12 months. They're a bath aid, not a safety device or a float. Use very shallow water, keep your baby within arm's reach and never leave them alone, even for a moment. Stop using a bath support once your baby can sit up or roll over.
Wrap them up warm
A hooded towel keeps a wet head covered while you dry the rest. The Puddle hooded towel is 31.5 inches square, in a soft cotton and bamboo blend, with an embroidered animal face on the hood. Pop the hood on as they come out of the water, wrap the corners across the front and pat dry. Keep the hood off their face while you dry them.
How often should you bathe a newborn?
Less often than you might think. Two or three baths a week is plenty for most babies in the first year, and too many can dry out their skin. Wipe the face, neck folds and diaper area every day in between.
Questions parents ask
When can I give my baby a real bath?
Usually once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the area has healed. Check with your pediatrician if you're not sure.
What time of day is best for a bath?
Whatever works for your family. Many parents like an evening bath as part of a calm bedtime routine.
Do I need a baby tub?
Not always. A bath support in a clean sink or regular tub works too, as long as the water is shallow and you stay right there.
Once your baby can sit up in the bath, see our favorite bath toys for toddlers, or shop the Bath Time collection.
