How to bathe a newborn, step by step

A newborn bath takes ten minutes, two towels and one rule above all others: a hand on your baby, every second.

Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026

In short

Give sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off, usually within 1 to 2 weeks. Then bathe your baby in an infant tub with about 2 inches of water that feels warm, not hot, on your wrist or elbow. About 3 baths a week is enough in the first year. Never leave your baby alone in the water, even for a second, and skip bath seats.

Before the cord falls off: the sponge bath

The AAP recommends sponge baths only until the umbilical cord stump falls off, usually by about 1 to 2 weeks. You wash your baby without putting them in water.

Get ready: a basin of warm water, a soft washcloth, a dry towel, a clean diaper and clothes, all within reach.

Lay your baby on a flat, padded surface: changing table, bed, floor. If it is above the floor, keep one hand on your baby at all times.
Wrap your baby in a towel and uncover only the part you are washing, to keep them warm.
Wash the face first with the damp cloth, avoiding the eyes and mouth. The NHS suggests wiping each eye from the nose outward with a fresh piece of cotton wool.
Clean around the ears, never inside them, and never with cotton buds (NHS).
Wash the neck, under the arms, behind the ears, then the body.
Finish with the diaper area, cleaning inside every fold.
Pat dry, especially in the creases.

The cord stump only needs washing if it gets dirty with pee or poo: clean with warm water and pat dry (NHS). The AAP says alcohol is not needed.

The first tub baths

Once the cord area has healed, you can move to a tub. Keep the first baths short and gentle; if your baby protests, the AAP suggests going back to sponge baths for a week or two.

What	The reference	Source
Water depth	about 2 inches (5 cm)	AAP
Water temperature	warm, not hot, on the inside of your wrist or elbow, mixed well with no hot patches	AAP, NHS
Filling	cold water first, then add hot	NHS
Faucet maximum	no more than 120 °F (49 °C) at the hottest	AAP
Room	warm, everything ready beforehand	NHS
Tub	hard plastic infant tub, sloped and textured or with a sling, made on or after October 2, 2017	AAP, citing the CPSC
How often	about 3 baths a week in the first year may be enough	AAP
When	not straight after a feed, nor when your baby is hungry or tired	NHS

Step by step

Undress your baby and lower them in straight away so they do not get cold: one hand supports the head and shoulders, the other guides them in feet first (AAP).
Keep the face and most of the body above the water, and pour warm water over your baby regularly to keep them warm (AAP).
Wash from the top down with a soft cloth, gently, without scrubbing.
Hair: the NHS suggests plain water for a newborn; the AAP says two or three washes a week with a mild shampoo is plenty. Cup your hand over the forehead so water runs to the sides, away from the eyes.
Soap sparingly: plain water is fine, or a mild cleanser suited to babies. Rinse right away.
Lift out and wrap your baby in a towel, head included, and pat dry, paying attention to the creases.
Empty the tub as soon as you finish (NHS).

Scaly patches on the scalp are usually cradle cap, which the AAP describes as harmless; you can leave it or loosen it gently with a soft brush while shampooing.

The safety rules

Never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a second. If the doorbell or phone rings, wrap your baby in a towel and take them with you. The AAP notes that most child drownings at home happen in bathtubs and more than half of bathtub deaths involve babies under 1 year.

Touch supervision: one hand on your baby the whole time (AAP).
No bath seats: they can tip over or come away from the bath (NHS, citing RoSPA; AAP).
No running water while your baby is in the tub, and no faucet sprayer: temperature can change suddenly (AAP).
Older children should never supervise a baby in the bath (NHS).
Sink baths: turn the faucet off first and watch for slippery edges and hot handles (AAP).

After the bath

A bath can be a lovely moment for a massage, which the NHS says can help babies relax. Use only products suitable for babies. The AAP suggests a small amount of fragrance-free moisturizer straight after the bath if the skin is dry.

Nails: the NHS recommends baby nail clippers, round-ended scissors or a fine emery board, ideally while your baby is asleep or relaxed.

If your baby hates the bath and cries, the NHS suggests bathing together, with someone to hand your baby to you and take them back. More ideas for soothing are in our page on PURPLE crying, and the rest of the daily routine is in newborn care.

Questions parents ask

How often should I bathe my newborn?

Newborns do not need a daily bath. The AAP says three baths a week during the first year may be enough, and bathing more often can dry the skin. Between baths, wash the face, neck, hands and bottom ("topping and tailing").

Can I bathe my baby before the cord falls off?

The AAP advises sponge baths only until the stump falls off, usually by 1 to 2 weeks. The stump should be gone by 3 weeks; if not, see your baby's doctor.

What temperature should baby bath water be?

Warm, not hot, when tested with the inside of your wrist or elbow, and mixed well so there are no hot spots. The AAP also recommends that the hottest water at the faucet be no more than 120 °F, which you can often set on the water heater.

Are baby bath seats safe?

No. The NHS, citing RoSPA, and the AAP both advise against bath seats: they can tip over or come away, and a baby can drown in a few centimeters of water silently.

Sources

AAP HealthyChildren — Bathing Your Newborn checked October 13, 2026
NHS — Washing and bathing your baby checked October 13, 2026
AAP HealthyChildren — Umbilical Cord Care in Newborns checked October 13, 2026

Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.