Important Tips to Know Before Giving Your Newborn a Bath
Giving your newborn their first bath can feel oddly intimidating. They are tiny. They are slippery. They do not yet have strong opinions, but they absolutely have strong reactions.
But I promise you that newborn bathing is far simpler than it feels at first. There are only a few real rules, a handful of helpful hacks, and a lot of reassurance that comes from doing it once or twice and realizing you’ve got this. This guide walks you through your baby’s first bath step by step, then moves into practical tips and hacks to make bathing calmer and easier as the weeks go on.
The First Bath: What Actually Matters
For most babies, the first bath does not need to happen right away. Many parents wait at least 24 hours, and often longer, especially if the umbilical cord stump is still attached. There is no rush. Newborns are not dirty in the way older kids are dirty. A little dried blood, some vernix in skin folds, and that unmistakable newborn smell are all normal.
Until the cord stump falls off, sponge baths are the safest and easiest option.
How to Do a Newborn Sponge Bath:
Start by choosing a warm, draft-free room. Newborns lose heat quickly, and comfort makes everything easier. Lay out everything you need before you begin so you are never reaching for something with one hand while holding your baby with the other.
You will need:
A basin or bowl of warm water
A soft washcloth
A towel
Clean diaper and clothes
Mild, fragrance-free baby soap if you plan to use it
STEP 1
Undress your baby and wrap them loosely in a towel, exposing only the area you are washing. This helps them stay warm and feel secure.
STEP 2
Begin with the face. Use a clean, damp washcloth with no soap. Gently wipe the eyes from the inner corner outward, using a different part of the cloth for each eye. Clean the rest of the face, including around the nose and behind the ears.
STEP 3
Move down to the neck, paying attention to skin folds where milk and moisture like to hide. Then clean the hands and arms, followed by the chest and belly. You can use a small amount of soap for the body if you want, but it is not required every time.
STEP 4
Save the diaper area for last. Clean thoroughly, front to back. Once finished, gently pat your baby dry, paying attention to creases. Put on a fresh diaper and clothes, and you are done.
That is the first bath. It does not need to be longer, fancier, or more involved than this.
When You Can Move to a Tub Bath
Once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and healed, you can transition to a small infant tub or sink bath. This usually happens within the first one to three weeks.
Tub baths can feel more intimidating at first, but many babies actually find them soothing when done slowly and thoughtfully.
Newborn Bath Setups: Infant Tub vs Sink (And What Products Actually Help)
When you move from sponge baths to a real bath, you have two good options: an infant bathtub or a sink bath. The goal is the same either way: stable support, shallow warm water, and one hand on your baby at all times.
Option 1: Infant Bathtub (Most Popular for a Reason)
An infant tub gives you a dedicated, baby-sized space with better control than a full-size tub. Many newborn tubs include a sling or built-in incline so your baby isn’t fully flat in the water.
What to look for in a newborn tub:
Newborn support (sling or contoured incline for head/neck support)
Non-slip base so it doesn’t slide around
A drain plug for easy emptying
A size that fits your space (bathroom counter, tub ledge, or inside a larger bathtub)
Where to use it:
Inside your regular bathtub (often easiest on water mess, but hard on your back and knees)
On the bathroom floor (good stability, still hard on your body)
On a sturdy counter only if it’s stable and you’re comfortable (never leave baby even for a second)
Hack that saves your back: put the baby tub inside the adult tub and sit on a small stool outside the tub. It keeps everything contained without forcing you to kneel.
Option 2: Sink Bath (Shockingly Convenient)
A sink bath can be fast, contained, and back-friendly. The key is safety and temperature control.
If you choose the sink:
Clean the sink thoroughly first
Make sure the faucet area is not something baby can bump into
Be mindful that sink water can warm up quickly if you accidentally bump the hot handle
Place a sink insert or a newborn bath cushion (these support baby and reduce slipping)
Pros of sink baths:
Less bending
Easy access to supplies
Water stays warm longer in a smaller space
Cons:
Faucet and handles add “bump risk”
Some sinks are awkward shapes
If you have a sprayer, it can splash everywhere
Option 3: The “Baby Bath Support” (Cushion or Sling) in a Regular Tub
Some parents skip a plastic infant tub and use a baby bath support that sits in the adult tub. This can work well once you feel confident, but it still helps to keep the water shallow and the bath short.
This setup is best when:
The baby has good head/neck control support from the device
You have a non-slip mat under it
You can comfortably reach and support baby the entire time
A Quick Note for the Overwhelmed Parent:
If you are reading this because you feel unsure, behind, or worried that everyone else knows something you do not, you are not alone. Newborn care often comes with a quiet fear of missing something important. If you find yourself craving reassurance or wishing you could ask questions without feeling silly, this is exactly the kind of support that can make early parenthood feel less heavy.
As a postpartum doula, former NICU nurse, and certified lactation consultant, I offer one-on-one Ask Me Anything calls where you can talk through newborn care questions like bathing, feeding, sleep, and everything in between! Sometimes knowing you can ask is what lets you breathe again.
Newborn Bath, Step by Step (Quick and Simple)
1. Set up before baby comes in
Lay out everything first: towel, clean diaper, clothes, washcloth, soap if using, and your baby tub or sink insert. Fill the tub with a few inches of warm water. You should never step away once your baby is undressed.
2. Test the water
Use your wrist or elbow to check the temperature. It should feel comfortably warm, not hot. If it feels too warm for you, it’s too warm for your baby.
3. Lower baby in slowly
Support the head and neck with one arm and lower your baby into the water feet first. Keep one hand on them at all times.
4. Keep them warm during the bath
Drape a wet washcloth or small towel over your baby’s chest and belly, re-wetting it as needed. This helps prevent them from getting cold and often keeps them calmer.
5. Wash gently and efficiently
Use your free hand to wash, starting with the neck and working down the body. Save the diaper area for last. You do not need to scrub. Gentle wiping is enough.
6. Lift out and wrap immediately
Lift your baby straight out of the bath and into a towel right away. Pat dry, paying attention to skin folds, then diaper and dress promptly.
That’s the entire process. Short, steady, and calm is the goal.
Tips and Hacks That Make Newborn Bathing Easier
Once you’ve done a few baths, the basics will feel more natural. These tips help turn bathing from a stressful task into a manageable routine.
Keep Baths Short
Newborn baths do not need to be long. Five to ten minutes is plenty. Longer baths can lead to overstimulation or chills. A short, calm bath is far more effective than a drawn-out one.
Soap Is Optional More Often Than You Think
You do not need to use soap every time. Warm water alone cleans most newborn messes. Overusing soap can dry out sensitive skin and contribute to irritation. When you do use soap, choose a gentle, fragrance-free option and use a very small amount.
Focus on the Folds
Milk, lint, and moisture collect in skin folds. Pay special attention to the neck, armpits, behind the ears, wrists, thighs, and the crease under the chin. Gently cleaning and thoroughly drying these areas helps prevent rashes.
One Hand Stays on Baby at All Times
Even in a shallow tub, babies can slip. Keep one hand supporting your baby’s head and body throughout the bath. If you need to adjust something, lift your baby out of the tub first.
Skip the Schedule at First
Bath time does not need to be a rigid routine right away. Some babies love baths and relax into them. Others protest loudly. It is okay to experiment with time of day and frequency until you find what works for your baby.
Warm the Towel First
A cold towel can undo an otherwise calm bath. Toss the towel over a radiator, dryer, or simply keep it close to your body before wrapping your baby. That small warmth can make the transition out of the bath much smoother.
Talk Through the Bath
Your voice matters. Talking calmly through the steps helps your baby feel grounded and helps you slow down. It also builds confidence over time as bathing becomes familiar to both of you.
Bathing Does Not Need to Be Perfect
If your baby cries, it does not mean you are doing something wrong. Crying is communication, not a performance review. Stay calm, finish efficiently, and comfort them afterward. That is good caregiving.
Common Newborn Bathing Questions
How often should I bathe my newborn?
Two to three times per week is enough for most babies. More frequent bathing is rarely necessary.
Can I bathe my baby if they are fussy?
Yes, but keep it brief. Some babies calm in warm water, while others dislike it. If a bath consistently escalates fussiness, try a different time of day or shorter baths.
What if my baby poops in the bath?
It happens. Remove your baby, clean them off, drain and rinse the tub, and refill with clean water if needed. No drama required.
Do I need special products?
You need far less than marketing suggests. A gentle soap, a soft washcloth, and a towel are enough.
Building Confidence Over Time
The first bath feels big because everything feels big in the early days. With repetition, bathing becomes just another part of caring for your baby. You will learn how they like to be held, what temperature feels right, and how quickly they want to be wrapped up afterward.
Confidence does not come from memorizing rules. It comes from doing the thing, noticing your baby’s cues, and adjusting as you go.
If you ever feel stuck in the space between knowing what to do and trusting yourself to do it, support can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Newborn care is full of moments that seem small but feel enormous when you are living them for the first time. Bathing is one of those moments. You are allowed to ask questions. You are allowed to want reassurance. You are allowed to not know everything yet.
If you want personalized guidance, reassurance, or a place to ask the questions you have been carrying around in your head, you can schedule an Ask Me Anything Call with me. I’m a postpartum doula, former NICU nurse, and certified lactation consultant who has seen it all! These calls are designed for parents who want clear, calm answers without judgment and without feeling rushed.
You do not have to figure this out alone.
