You can bathe your baby anytime in the day that is convenient and practical for you. Just make sure you choose a time when your baby is well rested and not hungry.
Traditionally, babies were given a bath before sunrise or early in the morning. This was probably so that after her bath your baby could get warm again as the day grew hotter.
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Newborns cannot regulate their own temperature well and can feel cold very quickly. If your baby feels cold, she won't enjoy her bath.
So more than the time of day, what's important is to bathe her at a time that fits her schedule and in a way that keeps your baby comfortable. If she's warm, rested and fed, she's more likely to enjoy her bath. Otherwise, she might cry through it all, which can be very upsetting for you too.
If you feel that you just don't have the time in the morning, it's fine to keep her bath for the evening. A warm bath before bed can be a good way of calming her down and getting her ready for her night sleep. You can follow her bath with a feed. As she takes in your warm milk and gets that close contact with you after the soothing bath, she might get so comfortable that she drifts off to sleep.
Newborns don't actually need a bath every day as long as you keep their nappy area, face and neck clean. They spend most of their time sleeping and lying down so they don't get dirty. A bath every two or three days is enough to keep her clean.
When you're familiar with your newborn's feeding and sleeping pattern, you can find the right time for her bath. Try to get her into a daily routine in which you do the same things at the same time each day. Babies love repetition and if you stick to a predictable routine, your baby will learn to recognise what comes next and look forward to it. This can make tasks like bathing and putting her to sleep much easier.
Some babies like being in water right from the start, others need time getting used to the sensation. Follow your baby's cues and if she doesn't like her baths, try to keep them short.
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Adapt your baby's routine as she grows and changes. For example, even if you started off by bathing your baby each morning, you might want to bathe her at night once she starts eating solid foods and crawling around. This way she goes to bed clean.
To begin with, try out a few different bath times and see what suits you and your baby best. Remember, there is no one right answer that works well for everyone.
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FAQs
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.
What is the best time to give a bath to a baby? ›
You can bath your baby at any time of the day. It's a good idea to pick a time when you're relaxed and you won't be interrupted. Try not to bath your baby when they're hungry or they've just had a feed. If bathing relaxes your baby, you can use it as a way to settle your baby in the evening.
When should you start bathing your baby regularly? ›
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.
What time is too late to give a baby a bath? ›
You can bathe your baby anytime in the day that is convenient and practical for you. Just make sure you choose a time when your baby is well rested and not hungry.
What is the best time to bathe? ›
Dr Kohli recommends taking bath two times in a day one before sunrise after cleaning teeth and clearing the bowels while another time around sunset, preferably with lukewarm water to relieve stress and relax your muscles and nerves. This will also help you fall asleep in the night.
Is it better to bathe baby before or after feeding? ›
It's best not to bathe your baby straight after a feed or when they're hungry or tired. Make sure the room you're bathing them in is warm. Have everything you need at hand: a baby bath or clean washing-up bowl filled with warm water, 2 towels, a clean nappy, clean clothes and cotton wool.
Do baths at night help babies sleep? ›
Bedtime Secret: Draw a Warm Bath
After coming out of a warm bath, a baby's body temperature starts to cool, which can help your infant fall asleep more easily. Use water that's warm but not hot (90 to 100 degrees), and fill the tub with just a couple of inches of water.
When should you not give a baby a bath? ›
Can my baby have a bath before the umbilical cord falls off? Only give your newborn sponge baths until the stump of the umbilical cord falls off, which usually happens by about one or two weeks of age. If it remains beyond that time, there may be other issues at play.
Should baby bedtime feed before or after bath? ›
Around 3-4 months, I suggest parents move the feed to the very first step of the bedtime routine, even before the bath. The main reason we do this is to make sure your baby is not trying to use the breast or bottle to fall asleep, or even get drowsy before you lay them down.
How long can baby go without first bath? ›
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. Delaying the first bath may allow time for a neonate's vitals to stabilize after birth.
While a morning shower may help start your day with a burst of freshness, there are various benefits attached to an evening cleanse. Not only does it wash away accumulated dirt and allergens, but it also sets the stage for a restful night's sleep.
Are baths better at night or morning? ›
Benefits to morning showers include feeling more alert in the morning, getting clean after a workout, and washing off any nighttime sweat or skin cell buildup. However, showering at night may be a better option for people with skin conditions or allergies, and it can help prepare the body for sleep.
Is it better to eat first or shower first? ›
According to Patil, from a digestive standpoint, showering before meals is usually recommended. “This allows for relaxation and preparation before eating—this promotes better digestion and absorption of nutrients.”
Can you give a baby a bath right after the 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.
What should a baby's first bath be? ›
Make sure the room is warm before you start as your baby can get cold quickly. Fill the bath with cold water first, then add the hot water. Fill it to about 8 to 10cm. You do not need to use any liquid cleansers – plain water is best for your baby's skin in the first month.
Can I give a bath to my baby in a cold? ›
Avoid chilly days for bathing baby
Assess whether it's too chilly outside before bathing your child, and only do so when you are certain that the little one will be warm enough afterward. In the winter, it's best to wait until the sun is out before beginning your infant's bath routine.
When can my baby take a bath with me? ›
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.
