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How often should you bathe your baby, from birth through early childhood? | Pediatrics | Your Pregnancy Matters

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Pediatrics; Your Pregnancy Matters

August 23, 2021

Pediatrics; Your Pregnancy Matters

Jessica Morse, M. D. Pediatrics

Whether it’s time, frequency, or water depth, less is best when bathing your baby.

One of the most common questions new parents ask has recently become the focus of an ongoing social media debate among celebrity parents, including Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, and Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell: How often should I bathe my baby?

Some parents bathe their babies daily as part of a bedtime routine or due to regular baby messes, from extra spit-up to diaper blowouts. 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. Their skin is still adjusting to the dry air, so it’s perfectly normal. You can prevent further skin irritation by moisturizing your baby with chemical-free lotion and washing their clothes with a gentle, chemical-free detergent before dressing them.

After that first two-week period, it’s OK to bathe your baby a couple times a week. You can follow this schedule through your child’s elementary school years. Of course, you should modify the bath schedule based on your baby’s skin health and your family’s lifestyle.

3 benefits of delaying your newborn’s first bath

  • Temperature regulation

During delivery, your baby experiences a sudden contrast in climate as they enter a dry environment from the fluid-filled amniotic sac. This causes their skin to easily dry out, crack, and peel – especially when babies are born further along in the gestation period.

  • Prevent dry skin

Your baby will be born with a coating of vernix caseosa on their skin. This creamy, waxy build-up consists mostly of water, lipids, and proteins and promotes better temperature regulation and softer skin after birth.

Frequent bathing results in drier skin at any age. So, to help prevent dry skin, we wait up to 24 hours before wiping off the vernix caseosa. However, if the mother has an infection that could be transmitted to the baby, such as HIV or herpes, we clean the newborn right away.

  • Breastfeeding benefits

Studies have shown that delaying baby’s first bath can also lead to more success with breastfeeding, as it increases skin-to-skin contact between the baby and mother. And by staying warmer longer, babies are less tired and irritated when learning to latch.

Related reading: 5 tips for successful breastfeeding

Newborn bathing tips

During the first two weeks of life, we recommend giving your newborn sponge baths a couple of times a week using room-temperature water, a soft cloth, and a gentle baby soap free of dyes and scents. Starting with the head and ending with their diaper area, you should lightly stroke their skin, paying close attention to creases, folds, elbows, knees, fingers, and toes.

Carefully avoid the umbilical cord. Keeping it dry will allow it to fall off and heal. If you immerse your baby in water before this happens, the umbilical cord will take longer to fall off or develop an infection called omphalitis, which can spread to surrounding tissues quickly and become dangerous. In rare instances, it can be life-threatening.

Baby bathing basics

After two weeks, you can submerge more of your baby’s body in water, but always keep two key factors in mind:

  1. Water depth: You only need a few inches of water for the first couple of years. A baby bath seat, while not necessary, can help keep your baby upright and steady. Most importantly, never leave your baby unattended in the bath, whether they’re in the kitchen sink or a full-size tub. They can slip under the water in seconds.
  2. Temperature: Babies’ skin is sensitive and can burn quickly. Check the water temperature before placing your baby in the bath; it should be 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. We also recommend lowering your water heater temperature settings so if the tap is accidentally bumped or adjusted during the bath, it can’t get hot enough to harm the baby.

If traditional bathing methods prove frustrating for you and your baby, you can try a swaddle bath. Studies have shown it is less stressful for premature infants, and it can ease you into bathing. To perform a swaddle bath, wrap your baby loosely in a swaddling cloth and gently place them in the water, up to their shoulders. Uncover, wash, and rinse one body part at a time to help your baby stay warmer and calmer.

Whichever method you choose, the bath should only last five to 10 minutes. Apply a fragrance-free lotion afterward to help prevent dryness.

Clean and clear – special circumstances

When you’re bathing your baby two or three times a week, skin hygiene is critical:

  • Stool can quickly irritate the skin, so change your baby’s diapers frequently, and wipe thoroughly – using a front-to-back motion for female babies.
  • While bathing a circumcised male baby, shake the water slightly so it runs over the penis. Do the same for an uncircumcised male, but gently retract the foreskin first – you won’t be able to pull it back very far, so don’t force it or worry you’re not being thorough.
  • If your baby has cradle cap, a scalp condition that causes scaly patches to appear on the skin, you can wash the affected area with an anti-dandruff shampoo or gently rub it with a soft brush and baby oil. Use a gentle, circular motion to pull up the skin flakes; rubbing too hard can pull out hair and the underlying layers of skin.

Use the same brushing method for skin rashes, such as eczema or diaper dermatitis. Harsh soaps can cause rash flare-ups, which is another reason to use mild, chemical-free soaps and bathe your baby less often. After cleaning the affected areas, apply a thick layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to moisturize the skin and protect it from further irritation. Use more than you think you need; most new parents don’t use enough.

Create your own routine

As your child gets older, their bathing cadence can continue to be around three times a week. The older they get, the more they tend to run around and get dirty or sweaty, so bathing frequency should vary based on their activity level.

Some families prefer to create a bedtime routine for their baby as soon as possible, and this typically includes a bath, followed by a feeding. For other families, bath time is a bonding experience or a fun way for their child to play. If daily baths (or showers for older children) work best for your child and lifestyle, be sure to sufficiently and consistently moisturize their skin.

One thing we always emphasize with new parents: Whether your child is 6 months or 16 years old, do what works best for you. What matters is that they’re safe and clean. Other than that, no two families’ bathing habits need to be the same.

Want to feel more prepared for childbirth and baby-care basics? Call 214-633-6640 to enroll in prenatal classes today. To request a new patient appointment, call 214-645-8300 or request one online.

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Washing your baby | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

Washing your baby | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content

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There’s nothing like the smell of a baby who’s just had a bath, and for many parents bath time is one of the pleasures of caring for their baby.

It’s common to have lots of questions when it comes to a baby’s bath time. Having the information you need can help you feel relaxed and confident about bathing your baby.

How do I bath my baby?

It helps to be organised before giving your baby a bath. Take time to plan beforehand and be prepared so you can bath your baby safely.

  • Use a non-slip bath mat on the floor and in the bath. A towel on the bottom on the bath is a good alternative to help your baby feel secure.
  • Fill the bath with warm water. An ideal temperature is around 37-38 degrees Celsius. You can check the temperature of the bath water with your elbow or wrist, it should feel neutral or slightly warm on your skin. You may also choose to use a bath thermometer.
  • Run cold water through the tap after filling the bath to avoid the risk of burning.
  • Talk gently to your baby as you lower them into the bath.
  • Hold your baby securely with one hand, using your free hand to wash your baby’s skin. Pay particular attention to their skin folds. Use plain water on their face, especially around their eyes and mouth, then use baby wash or soap on their skin and hair.
  • Lift your baby gently out of the bath on onto a clean, dry towel. Gently pat their skin dry and make sure you dry inside their creases.
  • Dress your baby by starting with a clean nappy.

Bathing a newborn baby

Newborns are used to a warm and watery environment and often soothe when they are bathed. Generally, a bath 2-3 times per week is enough to keep your newborn baby’s skin clean. If they like to be bathed, it’s fine to bath them more frequently. Sometimes baths can dry your baby’s skin so only use a small amount of soap or baby bath wash.

If you’d prefer not to bath your baby every day, a quick ‘top and tail’ clean will do. Clean your baby’s face and eyes with cotton wool and warm water. Use a washer to clean your baby’s hands and nappy area.

Make sure you support your baby’s face and head clear of the water and talk gently to them so they feel safe.

Bathing your newborn

Step by step guide on how to give your newborn a bath.

How should I wash my baby now they can control their head?

Between the ages of 3-4 months most babies have developed head control, though still need help to keep their face and head out of the water. Hold your baby securely and expect them to move around more than they did when they were a newborn.

How should I wash my baby now they can sit up?

Babies aged between 6-9 months often enjoy a couple of baths each week and may prefer to sit in the bath, rather than lie down. You may find a baby bath is too small for your baby to splash around and the big bath is a better option.

How often should I bath my baby?

It’s not necessary to bath your baby every day — around 2-3 times per week will be enough. Though you may find your baby relaxes when they’re bathed and you like to include bathing as part of their pre-settling routine.

You may need to bath your baby more often once they’re eating solid food. There’s always more mess to clean when babies are learning how to feed themselves.

When is the best time to give my baby a bath?

There is no one perfect bath time — any time of the day or evening is fine to bath your baby. Try to pick a time when there’s less chance of your baby getting cold and you’re not rushed.

You may choose to have your partner or another trusted adult with you when you bath your baby, at least in the early weeks.

What do I need to bath my baby?

After some practice runs, you’ll work out what suits you best. Generally, it’s helpful to have:

  • A table or bath stand which is stable and at a comfortable height so you don’t need to bend over.
  • At least one large towel and a washer.
  • A mild cleanser — any baby wash is fine or if your baby has dry skin, a non-soap, moisturising cleanser. Many baby washes are also suitable to use as shampoos, just make sure you rinse their scalp well.
  • A clean nappy and clothing.

Where can I bath my baby?

Babies don’t tend to care what they’re bathed in, as long as they have room to move around and the water is deep enough so they don’t get cold. Baby baths are ideal because they’re portable, easy to empty and easy to clean. Some parents like to use the kitchen sink in the early weeks of their baby’s life before graduating to the big bath. You may like to use the big bath as soon as your baby is beyond the newborn stage.

What steps should I take to keep my baby safe in the bath?

  • 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.
  • Keep your baby’s head and face clear of the water.
  • Empty the bath water out as soon as you’ve finished. This is a good habit to get into before your baby becomes mobile. Babies can drown in only a few centimetres of water. Consider doing a resuscitation course.
  • Make bath time a happy event and try not to rush it. Watch for your baby’s responses and talk gently to them.

As my baby grows, will there be changes to how I bath them?

As your baby gets older, they will learn to anticipate bath time and enjoy the opportunity to splash and play with bath toys. They may try to stand up and even climb out of the bath; watch them carefully so they don’t slip. You may like to use a protective cover over the taps.

What bath products are safe for my baby?

Most bath products labelled 'for baby' or 'suitable for use on a baby' will be fine to use. Baby bath washes are often soap and paraben free, to reduce the risk of reactions to the eyes and skin. If your baby has very sensitive or dry skin, you will need to use a soap-free wash which is suitable for their skin.

Bathing a newborn - video

Video provided by Raising Children Network.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Sources:
Raising Children Network (Cleaning baby eyes, nose and ears), Raising Children Network (Baby bath time)

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: October 2021


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Related pages

  • Water safety for babies
  • Hot water safety
  • Dressing a newborn
  • Baby massage
  • Bathing your newborn
  • Cleaning your baby's ears, eyes and nose

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