Washing baby's face with soap

Baby maintenance: baths, nails, and hair

Written by Stephanie Watson

In this Article

• Taking Care of Baby: Baby Baths
• Taking Care of Baby: Cradle Cap
• Taking Care of Baby: Cutting Nails

Unfortunately for new parents, babies don't come with instruction manuals. So when it comes to even the simplest tasks, like baths and nail trimming, some parents feel confused.

If you're unsure about the baby grooming basics, here's a handy guide to help make hygiene as easy as loving your baby.

Taking Care of Baby: Baby Baths

Until your baby's umbilical cord falls off, which usually happens after the first week, don't give any baths. Instead, give your baby a sponge wash, or ‘top and tail’. Circumcised boys should not be bathed until the penis has totally healed. Here's how:

1. Lay your baby on a towel. If it is cold, you can take off one item of clothing at a time while you wash your baby.
2. Gently wash your baby's face with a lukewarm, wet washcloth. Don't use soap.
3. Add soap to the wet cloth to wash your baby's body. Wash the diaper area last.
4. Rinse your baby off with water and pat your baby dry.
5. Cup your hand under warm water and gently pour it over your baby's head to wet your baby's hair.
6. Put a small amount of baby shampoo on your baby's hair. Gently rub in a circular motion, and then use a plastic cup or your hand to rinse off the shampoo.

Don't use any lotions on your baby, and especially avoid adult products. 

Once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off, you can graduate to baths. Your baby doesn't need a bath every day -- two to three times a week should be fine.

Whether you bathe baby in a baby bath, the sink, or the bathtub is up to you. But considering that babies are slippery when wet, some parents feel better able to handle giving a bath in the smaller space of a baby bath or the sink.

The most important thing to remember about baths is to never leave your baby unattended. Babies can slide down and quickly become submerged in even a few inches of water. Using a baby bath seat is no assurance that your baby will be safe in the bathtub. Many seats can easily tip over. If you need to leave the room, wrap your baby in a towel and take them with you.

Here are tips for giving your baby a tub bath:

1. Put the washcloth, soap, and shampoo -- everything you'll need for the bath -- close by. That way, you don't have to leave the room once your baby is in the tub. Also, lay out a diaper and clothes where you can easily reach them after the bath.
2. Fill the tub with 2 to 3 inches of water. The bath should be warm but not hot. To be sure the water is the right temperature, test it first with your elbow. Make sure your water heater is set to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit so that you can't accidentally scald your baby.
3. Wash baby's face gently with a wet washcloth. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth (no soap) to clean your baby's eyes and face. Wipe from the inside of each eye to the outside. Make sure you get any dried secretions out of the nose and eyes.
4. Soap the washcloth (use a gentle, no-tears baby soap or wash) and clean your baby's body from top to bottom and front to back. Make sure you clean inside all of the little folds. Wash the diaper area last.
5. Fill a cup with water to wet baby's hair. Put a small amount of baby shampoo on their head. Rub in a gentle circular motion. Keep your baby's head tilted back so the shampoo doesn't run into their eyes.
6. Fill the cup again with clean water to rinse your baby's hair and body.
7. When lifting your baby out of the bath, support their bottom with one hand and the head and neck with the other. Make sure you have a firm hold so your baby doesn't slide away.
8. You don't need to use lotion, but you can apply it after the bath if your baby’s skin is especially dry.
9. After the bath, wrap your baby in a towel and gently pat them dry.

Taking Care of Baby: Cradle Cap

It's common for babies to develop flaky, red patches of skin on their scalp called cradle cap. It's not a big concern and is easy to treat. Here's how:

1. Before a bath, massage a little bit of petroleum jelly, olive oil, or baby oil into your baby's scalp to loosen the dry skin.
2. Gently rub the oil into your baby's scalp with a soft brush or washcloth to release the flakes.
3. Wash baby's hair with a gentle baby shampoo.

Cradle cap should get better on its own. If it sticks around or spreads to baby's face, neck, or other parts of the body, see your doctor. You may need a stronger prescription shampoo for your baby's hair and a cortisone cream for your baby's body.

Taking Care of Baby: Cutting Nails

Because your baby's fingernails grow very quickly and babies can easily scratch themselves, file or cut the nails about twice a week. Your baby's toenails don't grow as quickly. You can probably get away with cutting them a couple of times a month. Just watch out for any jagged edges that you may need to trim.

Whether you opt for baby scissors, a baby nail clipper, or a nail file is up to you. Considering the tiny size of baby's nails, decide which one you're most comfortable using. Filing generally runs less of a risk that you'll cut your baby's skin. Never bite off your baby's nails -- you could give them an infection.

Here are some tips to make cutting nails easier:

• Cut nails after a bath, when they're softer. Sometimes it helps to trim a baby's nails when the baby is asleep and relaxed.
  If you use scissors or a nail clipper, press the skin under the nail down so you can get to the nail more easily. It may help to have your partner hold the baby's hand steady the first few times so you can concentrate on cutting.
• Trim their fingernails following the natural curve of the nail. Cut toenails straight across.
• Use a nail file after clipping to smooth any jagged edges.
• If you accidentally nip baby's skin with the scissors, apply gentle pressure with a tissue or piece of gauze. Use a tiny bit of ointment on the cut. Don't put on a bandage because your baby could choke on it.

Washing your baby | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

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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:

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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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