How to Bathe a Newborn: Tips for Baby’s First Bath

Giving your newborn a bath is one of the many magical firsts of parenthood, though it’s perfectly normal to experience a healthy dose of How do I bathe a newborn—am I doing this right?

Don’t stress! We’ve put together a helpful guide on how to bathe a newborn to make the process run as smoothly—and safely—as possible. With the right approach (and a few products formulated for that delicate newborn skin), bathtime can become a soothing bonding experience that you'll both look forward to. Bathing a newborn can feel intimidating at first. This guide shares general tips, but it is not a substitute for medical advice. If your baby has any medical conditions, skin concerns, or if you’re unsure about what’s right for your baby, consult your pediatrician before getting started.

 

In This Blog:

When to Bathe a Newborn for the First Time

Building Emotional Bonding Into Bathtime

What You'll Need: Baby Bath Essentials

How to Hold a Newborn During Bathtime

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Bathing Environment

How to Bathe a Newborn: Step-by-Step Guide

Safety Tips for Your Newborn’s First Bath and Beyond

 

When to Bathe a Newborn for the First Time

In the first few weeks after birth, your baby only needs sponge baths until the umbilical cord naturally falls off, which typically happens within one to two weeks. Most hospitals recommend waiting 24–48 hours after birth for a newborn’s first bath to allow time for temperature regulation and skin barrier development. 

Delaying the first bath also protects vernix caseosa—the natural, protective layer that covers your baby’s skin at birth. This layer acts as a moisturizer, and may help shield your baby’s skin from germs. 

 

Is It Okay to Get the Umbilical Cord Stump Wet?

Getting your baby’s umbilical stump wet before it falls off can delay the healing process, and even increase the risk of infection, since the natural skin barrier isn’t yet present in that area. 

After the umbilical cord falls off and the area is healed (meaning no redness or discharge), it’s the perfect time to introduce tub baths in a newborn-appropriate bathtub or basin. Until then, it’s essential to keep the umbilical cord area clean and dry by gently wiping it with a damp cloth during sponge baths without submerging it in water.

When in doubt, it’s totally okay to call your pediatrician to ask how you bathe a newborn correctly—they’ve heard this question countless times!

Building Emotional Bonding Into Bathtime

Bathtime is a great opportunity to strengthen your connection with your newborn. Make the experience even more nurturing by:

• Maintaining gentle eye contact (builds trust and security)

• Speaking or singing softly (creates a calming atmosphere)

• Explaining what you're doing in a soothing voice

Skin-to-skin contact after bathtime can regulate baby's temperature and continue the bonding experience.

What if baby cries the whole time? This is completely normal! Not all babies like baths in the beginning. If you get a few tears, don’t stress. Keep the bath short, use warm water, and maintain a comforting touch. You can always try the “swaddle bath” technique, where baby is loosely wrapped in a thin cloth during the bath for security. With consistency and patience, many babies come to enjoy bathtime.

 

What You'll Need: Baby Bath Essentials

Having everything on hand before you start makes bathtime much easier.

• Baby bathtub or basin
• Soft, baby-friendly washcloth
• Cleanser gentle enough for sensitive newborn skin
• Hooded baby towel
• Clean diaper
• Baby lotion
• Fresh clothes

Using products specifically formulated for babies helps protect your baby’s sensitive skin barrier while keeping them squeaky clean.

Parent Pro Tip: Save time and ensure you have everything you need with our Baby Arrival Gift Set. This curated collection includes our gentle wash, lotion, and other essentials in one convenient package, making it easier to stock up for baby’s first bath and beyond.

 

How to Hold a Newborn During Bathtime

Proper support is crucial for bath safety. Here are some tips on how to bathe a newborn safely: 

• Always keep one hand supporting baby’s head and neck.
• Use your non-dominant hand as the “safety hand” that never leaves baby.
• For sponge baths, lay baby on a flat, comfortable surface with a towel underneath.
• For tub baths, support baby's head and shoulders with your arm and hand, cradling their body in your arm.
• Use your free hand to wash, keeping a secure but gentle grip.
• Never leave baby unattended, even for a second.

The “football hold” works well for many families. Just cradle baby’s head in the crook of your arm while your hand grips their thigh/bottom, keeping their body secure against your side. 

 

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Bathing Environment

A calm environment helps make bathtime more enjoyable for everyone:

• Maintain a warm room temperature to prevent chills.
• Use soft lighting—harsh overhead lights can be startling.
• Minimize loud noises and distractions.
• Incorporate calming, lavender-scented products (with pediatrician approval).
• Have warm towels ready for after the bath.
• Honest Tip: Consider using gentle products that won't irritate baby’s sensitive skin or eyes—our Clean Conscious™ products are crafted with our Honest Standard in mind as part of our mission to bring health and happiness to families everywhere.

 

Getting the Ideal Newborn Bath Temperature

Finding the right water temperature is one of the most important steps in bathing your baby—their skin is more sensitive than ours, and water that feels comfortable to you might be far too hot for your little one. Plus, water that is too cold can make your baby uncomfortable and cause them to lose body heat quickly. 

The recommended bath temperature for newborns is 98.6°F to 100.4°F (37°C to 38°C)—close to your baby’s natural body temperature. Don’t stress—you don’t have to come to bathtime armed with a thermometer. The most reliable methods for nailing water temperature include: 

• Mixing the water thoroughly to eliminate hot or cold spots before testing
• Testing with your elbow or wrist instead of your hand (these areas are more temperature sensitive)
• Filling the tub with cold water first, then adding hot water

Of course, a bath thermometer adds extra reassurance and accuracy if you want to make certain you’re in the right range. It’s a simple, easy step for some peace of mind.

 

How to Bathe a Newborn: Step-by-Step Guide

Our Honest tips for bathing your newborn can help make bathtime a breeze!

1. Prep the Space

Gather everything from our list above, and place it within arm’s reach so that you can keep one hand on baby at all times. As you fill the tub, keep checking the temp! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends filling the tub with just a couple inches of water that feels warm (not hot!) on the inside of your wrist or elbow.     

2. Time It Right

Most newborn babies don’t need frequent bathing if their diaper areas are kept clean. When it comes to how often to bathe your newborn, the AAP recommends three baths per week for most babies—more frequent baths can strip away natural oils that protect baby’s skin. The time of day is up to you, but bathing your baby at night can help establish a nighttime routine and may help them feel relaxed before bed.

3. Wash with Care

Undress your little one, keeping a towel nearby for warmth. Using a fragrance-free body wash and a clean washcloth, gently wash your baby. Start with the face and chest, and work your way downward. Clean gently between skin folds, especially neck, armpits, and diaper area.  A bit of calming bubble bath can make things feel even more soothing. For hair, support baby’s head and gently massage the scalp with just a tiny bit of product.

4. Rinse Thoroughly

To keep bathtime extra gentle, carefully use a cup to pour water over your baby and rinse away soap suds. Make sure to rinse it all away to prevent irritation, paying special attention to creases and folds where soap can linger. Rinse hair by tilting baby’s head back slightly. 

5. Continue with After-Care

Immediately after removing your baby from the water, quickly wrap them in a towel so they stay warm. Pat dry gently, making sure to thoroughly dry every cute little crease to help avoid irritating their sensitive skin. This is also a wonderful time for skin-to-skin contact, which helps regulate their temperature and strengthens your bond.

Dress your baby in clean clothes promptly to maintain their body temperature. 

Bonus: Post-Bath Ritual

After bathtime is a perfect opportunity to establish a soothing routine between you two. 

Before dressing, use a gentle, fragrance-free lotion (and diaper cream if needed) while skin is still slightly damp to moisturize and leave their skin feeling soft and smooth. For cradle cap, use a soft brush to gently loosen flaky skin after applying lotion.

This is also a great time for a gentle massage—using downward strokes on limbs and circular motions on the tummy—which can be a special bonding moment for you and your baby.

Honest Tip: On non-bath days, use the “top and tail” method: Gently wipe your baby’s face, hands, neck folds, and diaper area with a damp washcloth to keep them fresh!

Safety Tips for Your Newborn’s First Bath and Beyond

Bathtime can be a special ritual you both look forward to—and a few simple safety steps keep it that way. 

• Keep your baby within arm’s reach at all times while in the bath.
• Use gentle baby-specific products designed for delicate skin. 
• Clean bath toys regularly to prevent mold growth.
• Avoid adjusting the temperature, especially with hot water, while baby is in the water.
• Keep the water depth to about 2 inches—enough to keep baby warm without posing a drowning risk.
• Have everything within reach before you start so you never need to step away.
• Consider lowering your water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower for added peace of mind.

Making Bathtime a Breeze

Learning how to bathe a newborn becomes much simpler when you feel confident in your approach. You’ve got this! Just remember: Every baby is different, so take your time and find a routine that works for you.

Before long, bathtime will become a precious part of your daily connection. Find all the products you'll need to make the experience easier and more enjoyable for your whole family with Honest’s Clean Conscious™ baby products formulated for baby’s tender skin. Browse our collection and develop the perfect routine for you and your little one!