newborn bathing tips
this is general information, not medical advice. if you have concerns, talk to your GP or child health nurse.
when to start bathing
use sponge baths or top-and-tail washesuntil your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off — usually between 7 and 21 days after birth. once the cord area has healed, you can start using a baby bath.
you don't need to bath your newborn every day. 2–3 times a week is plenty. too much bathing strips the natural oils from their skin and can cause dryness.
what you need
- • baby bath or clean sink
- • warm towel ready and within reach
- • clean nappy and clothes laid out
- • baby wash (fragrance-free)
- • soft washer or cloth
- • cotton balls for washing face
water temperature: 37–38°C. use a bath thermometer or test with your elbow — it should feel warm, not hot. always check before putting baby in.
step by step newborn bath
- get everything ready BEFORE undressing baby— towel, clothes, nappy, wash, all within arm's reach
- fill bath 5–8cm deep, test temperature
- undress baby, wrap in towel, wash face first with damp cotton balls (one for each eye, wiping outward)
- support baby's head and neck with one arm at all times
- lower into water feet first
- wash with your hand or a soft cloth using gentle strokes — no need to scrub
- wash hair last — babies lose the most heat from their head
- lift out and wrap immediately in a warm towel
- dry in all the creases — neck, armpits, behind ears, between fingers and toes
- nappy on and dress quickly to keep them warm
safety rules
- • NEVER leave your baby unattended in water — not even for a second
- • don't answer the phone or door — take baby with you or ignore it
- • check water temperature before AND during the bath
- • never add hot water while baby is in the bath
- • use a non-slip mat in the bath
drowning can happen in seconds, in as little as 5cm of water. supervision is non-negotiable.
common concerns
cradle cap
rub a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil onto the scalp, leave for a few minutes, then gently brush with a soft baby brush. it's harmless and clears up on its own.
dry skin
use a fragrance-free moisturiser after the bath while skin is still slightly damp. bath less often if skin is very dry. avoid bubble bath products.
baby screams in the bath
try bathing together (skin-to-skin can calm them), make sure the room is warm enough, or try a different time of day. some babies just take a while to get used to it.
umbilical cord care
keep the cord stump clean and dry. fold the nappy below it so it gets air. it will fall off on its own — don't pull it. see your GP if it smells, oozes, or the skin around it becomes red.
bathing by age
| age | setup | notes |
|---|---|---|
| newborn | baby bath or sink | full support at all times, 5–8cm water |
| 6+ months | big bath with bath seat | can sit supported, never leave unattended |
| 12+ months | big bath, sitting independently | still supervised every single second |
| toddler | big bath | never alone, 5cm water max |
related guides
this information is general guidance and is not medical advice. if you have concerns about your baby's health or skin, consult your GP or child health professional.