How to bathe your newborn baby: a step-by-step guide

Between round-the-clock feeds,broken sleep and learning to be a parent by baptism of fire, baby bathtime can become a special ritual that breaks up the day, which you can enjoy with your newborn.

“Bathing your baby [helps to] release oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’, which helps strengthen your bond and connection with your little one,” says clinical midwife specialist Monique Maitland.

If you’re feeling daunted about how to bathe your newborn baby, especially if they still have part of their umbilical cord  (the stump that’s left after the cord has been cut) here’s how to feel confident doing it.

How often, when and where to bathe your newborn

How often: Around 2-3 times a week is plenty for newborns - they don't get that dirty! More than once a day can dry out their delicate skin. Between baths, a quick "top and tail" clean with a warm washcloth on their face, neck, underarms and nappy area does the trick. 

When: Pick a time when you're relaxed and baby isn't hungry or overtired. There's no perfect time of day - just whenever works for your family. 

Where: You can use a baby bath, clean sink, shower, or regular bathtub. Choose somewhere that's comfortable for you too - if you've had a caesarean, a baby bath on the dining table at hip height might be easier than bending over the bathtub. Make sure the room is warm, safe, and you don't mind if it gets a bit splashy. 

How to bathe a newborn baby step-by-step

Choose a time when both you and your baby are relaxed – then follow these steps.

How to bathe a newborn baby step-by-step

Step 1: Get everything ready Gather baby wash, two washcloths, two towels, fresh nappy, and clean clothes. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second. 

Step 2: Fill the bath Water should be 36-38°C (comfortably warm on your wrist). Add any baby wash to the water now and give it a swirl. 

Step 3: Hold your baby safely Support their head in the crook of your elbow and hold their arm securely. Lower them gently into the water feet first. 

Step 4: Wash from top to bottom Start with their face, then body (including those cute neck rolls), and finish with the nappy area. Wash hair last to keep them warm. 

Step 5: Lift out and dry Place them on a towel and pat dry gently. Apply fragrance-free moisturiser if you want, put on a fresh nappy and clothes. 

How to bathe a newborn baby umbilical cord stump

“A lot of parents freak out about the umbilical cord stump, especially when its half hanging off and it's more scab-like. You can still bathe your baby as usual, and place the cord under the water, that’s fine,” says Monique.

Gently pat the cord stump dry with a towel after the bath because there can be a lot of moisture there. “You don't have to get any other special products for it, just keep [the cord] out of the nappy after the bath because that will help keep it clean and dry and fall off sooner.”

How to keep your baby clean between baths: giving a top and tail bath

If you’re short on time or your baby isn’t in the mood, you can give them a quick wash to keep them clean until the next bath.

A ‘top and tail’ bath is when you use cotton pads or a soft washer to gently clean their eyes and face, hands and feet and nappy area. You can use warm clean water to wipe their eyes and face and then use a new cotton pad or fresh washer to wipe their hands and feet and use a new set again to gently clean their nappy area.