Proper bathing and skin care for your newborn
A newborn's skin is soft and delicate. Proper skin care and bathing can help maintain the health and texture of the baby's skin while providing a pleasant experience for both of you.
Contrary to popular thought, most babies don't need a bath every single day. With all the diaper changes and wiping of the mouth and nose after feedings, most babies need to be bathed only 3 times a week in the first year of life.
Baths can be given at any time of day. Bathing before a feeding often works well. Many parents prefer to bathe their baby in the evening, as part of the bedtime ritual. This works well, especially if bath time is relaxing and soothing for the baby.
Sponge baths are needed at first. To prevent infection, bathing in a tub of water should not be done until the baby's umbilical cord stump falls off, and a baby boy's circumcision heals.
What do I need to bathe my newborn?
Supplies needed include the following:
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Thick towels or a sponge-type bath cushion
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Soft washcloths
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Basin or clean sink
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Cotton balls (optional)
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Baby shampoo and baby soap (nonirritating)
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Towel (a hoodedtowel is optional)
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Clean diaper and clothing
How to give a sponge bath
Tips for a sponge bath include the following:
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Make sure the room is warm, without drafts. This means about 75°F (24°C).
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Gather all equipment and supplies in advance.
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Add warm water to a clean sink or basin (warm to the inside of your wrist or elbow).
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Place baby on a bath cushion or thick towels on a surface that is comfortable for you.
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Keep the baby covered with a towel or blanket.
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Nevertake your hands off the baby, even for a moment. If you have forgotten something, wrap up the baby in a towel and take them with you.
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Start with the baby's face. Use a moistened, clean washcloth or cotton ball to wipe each eye, starting at the bridge of the nose, then wiping out to the corner of the eye.
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Wash the rest of the baby's face with a soft, moist washcloth without soap.
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Clean the outside folds of the ears with a soft washcloth. Don't insert a cotton swab into the baby's ear canal because of the risk of damage to the eardrum.
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Add a small amount of baby soap to the water or washcloth and gently bathe the rest of the baby from the neck down. Uncover only one area at a time. Rinse with a clean washcloth or a small cup of water. Be sure to avoid getting the umbilical cord stump wet.
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Once the baby's body is clean, you can wrap them in a warm towel before washing the hair.
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Wash the baby's head last with shampoo on a washcloth. Rinse, being careful not to let water run over the baby's face. Holding the baby firmly with your arm under their back and your wrist and hand supporting their neck, you can use a high faucet to rinse the hair. (If you are using a spray attachment with the faucet, be sure the water in the sprayer is warm.)
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Scrubbing is not needed, but most babies enjoy having their arms and legs massaged with gentle strokes during a bath.
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Wrap the baby in atowel and cuddle your clean baby close.
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Follow cord care instructions given by your baby's healthcare provider.
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Use a soft baby brush to comb out your baby's hair. Don't use a hair dryer on hot to dry a baby's hair. This can cause burns.
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Expect your baby to cry the first few times you bathe them. Usually, this is just because a bath is a new experience.
How to give your newborn a tub bath
Once your baby's umbilical cord stump has fallen off, and after a boy's circumcision has healed, you can give your baby a tub bath. This can be a pleasurable experience for you and your baby. However, some babies may not like to be bathed, especially the first few times. Talk softly or sing and try some bath toys if your baby protests.
Whatdo I need for a tub bath?
When bathing your baby in a tub:
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Clear the counter or tabletop of breakable objects and electrical appliances to prevent injury.
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Fill the tub with warm water, making sure the water is warm, not hot. Always test the water before placing your baby into the tub. Some parents feel most comfortable using a baby bath thermometer to confirm the correct temperature of the water.
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Follow the same general bathing instructions for a sponge bath.
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Never take your hands off your baby or walk away, even for a moment.
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Be sure to clean the bathtub after each use.
Skin care for your newborn
A baby's soft and delicate skin needs special care. Generally, it is best to use products made especially for babies, but your baby's healthcare provider can advise you about other products. Products for adults may be too harsh for a baby and may contain irritants or allergens. Many parents like to use lotions. But unless the baby's skin is dry, lotions really are not needed. Powders should be avoided unless they are recommended by your baby's healthcare provider. When using any powder, put the powder in your hand and then apply it to the baby's skin. Shaking powder into the air releases dust and talc that can harm your baby's lungs.
Many babies have rashes and bumps that are normal. Some rashes may be a sign of a problem or infection. Diaper rash can be irritating to the baby and needs to be treated. If you have concerns about a rash, or your baby is uncomfortable or has a fever, call your baby's healthcare provider.
Laundry detergents may cause irritation to a baby's delicate skin. If your baby seems sensitive to detergent, you can use a special detergent for babies with sensitive skin and give the laundry an extra rinse with plain water to remove any leftover detergent.
FAQs
Proper bathing and skin care for your newborn
WHO guidelines for newborn bathing? ›
Caring for a newborn
- Wipe the baby dry and clean and delay the first bath for at least 24 hours.
- Keep the baby warm with one or two layers of clothes more than adults and keep the head covered with a hat.
- Have the baby tested for eye and hearing problems and for jaundice.
How often does my newborn need a bath? There's no need to give your newborn baby a bath every day. Three times a week might be enough until your baby becomes more mobile. Bathing your baby too much can dry out your baby's skin.
What should the family be taught about bathing the newborn? ›
Most of your baby's body should be well above the water, so occasionally pour warm water over your baby's body for warmth. Start with your baby's head. Use the washcloth to gently wash your baby's face and scalp. Use baby shampoo once or twice a week to clean your baby's hair.
What age should you bathe a newborn? ›
While most institutions used to bathe babies within an hour or two of birth, many are changing their policies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying baby's first bath until 24 hours after birth—or waiting at least 6 hours if a full day isn't possible for cultural reasons.
What are the AAP recommendations for bathing newborns? ›
The American Academy of Pediatrics and CPSC urge parents to follow these tips to keep infants safe in the bathtub:
- Use a safe, sturdy tub. ...
- Be aware of bumps, edges and slings. ...
- Check for rust and mold. ...
- Never leave a child alone in a bathtub. ...
- Check water temperature.
It is important to follow these safety rules when bathing your baby: Keep the room warm so your baby does not get cold. Bathe your baby quickly to avoid chilling. Keep water around 100° Fahrenheit (F) or 37.8° Celsius (C).
What happens if you don't bathe a newborn? ›
It limits the risk of infection.
Common bacterial infections for newborns include Group B Strep and E. Coli which can lead to pneumonia and meningitis. By delaying the first bath, you are allowing the vernix to continue working as a safety net for your little one's immune system.
Should a newborn be bathed directly after birth? ›
Delaying the first bath may allow time for a neonate's vitals to stabilize after birth. A pilot study showed that delaying the first bath until 24 h of life was associated with benefits from vernix caseosa on the skin and adequate time for SSC with the mother's participation in her child's bathing [8].
Why is delayed bathing good for newborns? ›
Delaying the first bath allows more skin-to-skin time between mother and baby and – importantly – preserves smell. The similarity in how the amniotic fluid and mom's breast smell to a newborn could actually encourage babies to latch on.
General instructions include using warm water, bathing quickly and gently, drying quickly, and never leaving the baby unattended. Assessments should be done before bathing and the environment, equipment, and nursing actions are outlined.
What is the rationale for infant bathing? ›
Baths are a wonderful way to both clean and bond with your baby as he relaxes in warm water. Bathe your baby about 3 times a week—or every other day—for the first month of life if all is healthy and well with his skin. Most babies are born with a white creamy coating on their skin called vernix.
When to stop skin to skin with baby? ›
There is no specific age when skin-to-skin should stop. It provides powerful benefits for your baby throughout her first year.
What is the first bath for a newborn? ›
Your baby's first few baths should be sponge baths. As in, using a soapy washcloth to clean them up, rather than putting them in water. Until your baby's umbilical stump falls off, you don't want to get their soon-to-be belly button wet if you don't have to. The stump will come off about two weeks after they're born.
Should you bathe a newborn with just water? ›
Only use plain water for newborn babies. You can start using unperfumed baby bath from about 4 to 6 weeks, but be careful to only use a little so you don't damage your baby's skin. Babies with longer hair may need a drop of mild shampoo on wet hair, lathered and rinsed off.
How do you bathe a newborn safely? ›
Bathing your baby safely
- The water should be warm, not hot. ...
- Don't add any liquid cleansers to the bath water. ...
- Hold your baby on your knee and clean their face.
- Next, wash their hair with plain water, supporting them over the bowl.
- Once you've dried their hair gently, you can take off their nappy, wiping away any mess.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying bathing until 24 hours (h) after birth, and when not possible, to be delayed for at least 6 h [7]. However, this recommendation was based on expert consensus.
Why do you have to wait 6 weeks after birth to take a bath? ›
In those first few weeks postpartum, your cervix is still somewhat dilated, regardless of whether you had a vagin*l delivery or a c-section. There's a theory – though no research has confirmed this – that tub water could travel into your uterus, introduce bacteria, and cause an infection.
What is the protocol for bathing in NICU? ›
The baby and the swaddle blanket are immersed together into a tub of water. The water should cover the baby and blanket up to the baby's shoulder. Each limb is then individually unswaddled, washed, rinsed, and reswaddled allowing the infant to remain in a fixed, midline position for the duration of the bath.
When can I give my baby a bath after the umbilical cord falls off? ›
Don't put your baby in the tub for a few weeks after he or she is born. It's best to sponge-bathe your infant until the umbilical cord falls off and is completely healed. After that, you can place your baby in the water, making sure to support the head and neck at all times. Your baby doesn't need a bath every day.
