How Often Do You Bathe a Newborn?

Those first weeks after your newborn’s birth may feel like a lot of work. You’ll be changing diapers, washing your hands and, of course, bathing her.

But it’s not necessary to bathe your baby every day. According to current recommendations, two to four baths per week during baby’s first year is a good range (not daily) that will ensure your little one stays healthy and clean.

Newborns aren’t as dirty as some other children and don’t sweat as much, so it’s okay to bathe them less often than you might think. But you should always keep safety in mind. Choosing a safe bathing location, using a small amount of mild soap and keeping the water warm are all important.

The first time you give your baby a bath, it might seem a bit intimidating, but it’s an important step in keeping her clean and healthy. A few simple tips will help you get her squeaky clean, while also providing her with some much needed bonding time.

1. Wait till the umbilical cord stump falls off

For the first few weeks after your baby’s birth, you should only give her sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off. Then you can gradually introduce full-on baths.

2. Use mild soap sparingly

It’s best to stick with plain, mild-pH soap for your newborn’s baths and rinse it away afterward. Soap can irritate your baby’s skin, so it’s essential to choose a gentle soap that doesn’t have any harmful additives.

3. Wipe her down carefully

After you’ve given your baby a sponge bath, wipe her down gently with a soft washcloth. Pay particular attention to her head and face, as well as any creases that need extra attention.

4. Avoid rinsing her head directly with water

Rinsing your baby’s head with water can cause suds to run down the sides of her eyes, which could cause eye irritation or even infection. So always try to keep her head out of the water and cup your hand across her forehead as you rinse it.

5. Gently rinse her hair

Once you’ve done a thorough wipedown of your newborn, it’s time to get the shampoo out of her locks. Apply a little shampoo or body wash to your baby’s scalp, making sure to brush the hair strands afterward.

6. Gently dry her off

After she’s all squeaky clean, you can now get out the towel and fresh diaper. Be sure to pat her dry inside her creases so that she’s completely dry before you wrap her up and leave the bath.

7. Make it a routine

A good rule of thumb is to make bathtime part of a relaxing bedtime routine. This can include a final bottle or nursing session, a book and a little song.

Having a regular bath routine helps you focus on your baby’s needs. Plus, it can help you both to feel more comfortable in the tub.