Bringing your new bundle of joy home from the hospital is one of the most exciting moments in a new parent’s life. It can also be one of the most nerve-wracking; limited experience with newborn care can make the task even more daunting. Bathing a newborn can be one of the more intimidating aspects of parenthood; here are ten tips to make the experience a great one for you and your baby.
- Stick to Sponge Baths in the Beginning – Before the umbilical stump falls off and circumcisions heal completely, it’s best to stick to sponge baths for your little one. Most pediatricians advise to keep these sites from being submerged.
- Use a Baby Tub – Handling a tiny infant in an adult-sized bathtub is awkward for parents and can be overwhelming for the baby. A specially-designed baby tub is best, but the sink will also do in a pinch; just be sure to support the baby’s neck and head during bath time, as a sink lacks the support features of the baby tub.
- Gather All of Your Supplies Beforehand – Before bath time begins, gather everything you think you’ll need and stash it within arm’s reach. Leaving even a barely-mobile newborn unattended, even for a second, is a huge parenting no-no.
- Invest in a Bath Thermometer – Bath water for a newborn should be warm, but certainly not hot. About 90°F is comfortable and safe for your infant’s sensitive skin. One of the best ways to ensure your peace of mind regarding temperature is to invest in a bath thermometer.
- Pay Attention to Creases – The creases of the neck, behind the ears and knees and any other places where skin meets are the most important spots to focus on when bathing a newborn, as they’re the most likely to have dirt and oil buildup.
- Be Confident – Adding water to a tiny, squirmy baby renders them slippery immediately. Focusing on keeping the neck and head supported while trying to simply hold on to wet newborn can be scary, but it’s important to be confident. Your baby will sense your discomfort and become anxious, which will only make the task more difficult.
- Use Soap Sparingly – Newborns rarely get dirty enough to warrant using much soap, which can dry their delicate skin and cause irritation. Use a specially-formulated pH neutral baby soap, and do so sparingly.
- Don’t Run Water While Baby’s in the Tub – Completely fill the sink or tub to the desired level before introducing your newborn; water temperatures can be affected by the actions of others in the house which could lead to painful scalding. Also, running water can fill a tub to unsafe levels very quickly, which you may not notice as you focus on bath time.
- Read Your Baby’s Cues – Some babies love taking a bath, and will quietly enjoy the experience. Others may be cold, uncomfortable and disoriented. Reading your baby’s behavioral cues and tailoring the task to their needs is the best way to reduce the stress of the situation. A happy baby should be allowed to linger in the tub, but an anxious one should be out and dressed comfortably as soon as possible.
- Avoid Chills – Be sure to bathe baby in a warm room with no drafts, and to pour warm bath water along their chest and shoulders every few seconds to avoid a chill. Even a baby who’s enjoying bath time will begin to howl if they become cold.


