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 may only need to be bathed 2 or 3 times a week or every other day.
Baths can be given 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 falls off, and a baby boy's circumcision heals.
What do I need to bathe my newborn?
Supplies needed include the following:
Thick towels or a sponge-type bath cushion
Soft washcloths
Basin or clean sink
Cotton balls (optional)
Baby shampoo and baby soap (nonirritating)
Towel (a hoodedtowel is optional)
Clean diaper and clothing
How to give a sponge bath
Tips for a sponge bath include the following:
Make sure the room is warm, without drafts (about 75° F).
Gather all equipment and supplies in advance.
Add warm water to a clean sink or basin (warm to the inside of your wrist or elbow).
Place baby on a bath cushion or thick towels on a surface that is comfortable for you.
Keep the baby covered with a towel or blanket.
NEVERtake your hands off the baby, even for a moment. If you have forgotten something, wrap up the baby in a towel and take him or her with you.
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.
Wash the rest of the baby's face with a soft, moist washcloth without soap.
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 ear drum.
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 wet.
Once the baby's body is clean, you can wrap him or her in a warm towel before washing the hair.
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 his or her back and your wrist and hand supporting his or her 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.)
Scrubbing is not needed, but most babies enjoy having their arms and legs massaged with gentle strokes during a bath.
Wrap the baby in atowel and cuddle your clean baby close.
Follow cord care instructions given by your baby's healthcare provider.
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.
Expect your baby to cry the first few times you bathe him or her. 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 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:
Clear the counter or table top of breakable objects and electrical appliances to prevent injury.
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.
Follow the same general bathing instructions for a sponge bath.
NEVER take your hands off your baby, or walk away, even for a moment.
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
Babies don't need an elaborate skin care regimen and barely any products. Keep bathing to a minimum to avoid stripping the skin of its protective natural oils. A bath twice or three times a week is sufficient.
When should you first 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 to put on newborn skin after a bath? ›
Moisturising your baby
Apply a thick, non-fragranced moisturiser all over daily at the first sign of dryness. Thicker creams are more effective than lotions. Apply moisturiser more often if the skin always seems dry. Avoid moisturisers containing botanicals, food and fragrance as these may disrupt the skin barrier.
What are the steps for bathing a newborn? ›
How to Bathe Your Baby
- Fill the sink or baby tub with no more than 3 inches of warm water. ...
- Undress your baby. ...
- Before putting soap on a washcloth, gently clean your baby's eyelids. ...
- Then, wash your baby's face with only water. ...
- Use clean water to wash the outer part of the ear. ...
- Wet your baby's head with water.
Can I put lotion on my 1 week old baby? ›
Daily lotion application is not necessary for all newborns. However, if your baby has particularly dry skin or a skin condition, using lotion can help keep their skin moisturized. Consult with your pediatrician before introducing any new products to your baby's skincare routine.
What is skin care of newborn? ›
SKIN CARE FOR THE NEWBORN. PRINCIPLES OF SKIN CARE OF THE NEWBORN. Certain principles of skin care have to be emphasized such as gentle cleansing, adequate hydration and moisturization of the skin, preventing friction and maceration in body-folds, and protection from irritants and bright sunlight.
What not to do when bathing a newborn? ›
Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a minute. Babies and children can drown in just a few centimetres of water and should never be left unsupervised in and around water. Fill the bath with comfortably warm water. Check the temperature with your wrist or elbow before placing your baby gently into the bath.
Can I bathe with my 2 week old baby? ›
It's best not to shower with a newborn baby, since they need their head supported at all times and it's harder for them to regulate their body temperature. Also, experts recommend just sponge baths to clean your baby until their umbilical cord stump has fallen off.
How long can a baby go without a bath? ›
But for most families, bathing the baby two to three times a week is plenty after the first couple of weeks of life. In fact, we recommend delaying your newborn's first full bath for at least two weeks. Newborns shed about three layers of skin within their first week, which often surprises new parents.
Can you use baby wipes on a newborn? ›
Please seek advice from your midwife or health visitor. We advise that you avoid using baby wipes until your baby is at least two to four weeks old. When used, they should be mild and free from alcohol and perfume. Nappy rash can occur due to prolonged exposure to urine or faeces.
Most babies can start tummy time sessions a day or two after they are born. Babies benefit from having two or three short (3- to 5-minute) tummy time sessions each day. As your baby gets older, you can have longer, more regular sessions throughout the day.
Can I put lotion on my baby's head? ›
Do not use oils, lotions, or Vaseline to treat dry scalp for babies, as this will only adhere to the flakes to the scalp and make the condition worse. Over-washing is a common culprit of baby dry scalp. Make sure to rinse thoroughly, as residual shampoo can contribute to baby dandruff.
What time is best to bathe a newborn? ›
Choose a time when you're not rushed or likely to be interrupted. Some parents opt for morning baths, when their babies are alert. Others prefer to make baby baths part of a calming bedtime ritual. If you bathe your baby after a feeding, consider waiting for your baby's tummy to settle a bit first.
How do I dry my newborn after a bath? ›
Keep your baby's head clear of the water. Lift your baby out and pat them dry, paying special attention to the creases in their skin. This is a good time to massage your baby. Massage can help them relax and sleep.
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].
How long does it take for newborn skin to heal? ›
Peeling skin is a normal process for newborns and usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. Some at-home treatments, such as using a hypoallergenic moisturizer, can help your baby avoid dry skin. To treat and protect your baby's peeling skin: Reduce your baby's bath time to just five to 10 minutes.
How do I keep my newborn skin hydrated? ›
Bathe your baby only two to three times a week. Skip fragranced bath products and use gentle washes that are soap-free, fragrance-free and formulated with skin-barrier protecting, hydrating ingredients. Gently pat dry with a towel and moisturize immediately after a bath to help seal in moisture.
When should I moisturize my newborn's skin? ›
Research now indicates that 'less is most definitely more' and it is better to avoid the use of skin cleansing and moisturising products for the first few weeks until your baby's skin has had time to mature naturally.
Should I put anything on my newborns dry skin? ›
If your baby's skin seems dry, you may want to apply a hypoallergenic ointment or moisturizer twice a day, including after bath time. Applying cream immediately after a bath helps seal in moisture, easing dryness and keeping your baby's skin soft.