The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sponge bathing your newborn until the stump of his umbilical cord falls off. After that, you can continue to give your baby sponge baths, or you may decide to put him in an infant tub for bath time. If you change your newborn's diaper frequently, keep that area clean and wash his face, hands and neck often, he'll only need a bath a few times a week. The procedure for giving your newborn a tub bath is the same as for a sponge bath. Just put the baby in an infant bath with a few inches of water.
Step 1
Fill a small basin with warm water. Test the temperature of the water on the inside of your wrist to make sure it's not too hot.
Step 2
Lay a blanket on the bed, table, counter, changing table or another flat surface on which you can lay your baby to bathe her.
Step 3
Put all of your bathing supplies--basin of water, soap, shampoo, washcloth and towels--within easy reach of where you're going to bathe your baby
Step 4
Wrap your newborn in a towel. Lay him on the blanket, keeping one hand on him at all times. If you're bathing him on a changing table, use the strap to help keep him secure.
Step 5
Dip the washcloth in the warm water and squeeze out the excess water. Gently wash your baby's face. Remember to wash around her ears. If your baby is bald or has very little hair, you can wash her head now. Try to keep water out of her eyes.
Step 6
Apply a very small amount of soap or body wash to the wet washcloth.
Step 7
Unwrap your baby and wash him, starting with his torso, arms, hands and legs, and then moving on to his neck and feet. Pay careful attention to all the little creases and folds in his skin, especially in his neck.
Step 8
Wipe carefully around your baby's umbilical cord stump. Be careful not to pull on it.
Step 9
Clean your baby's diaper area gently, from front to back.
Step 10
Turn your newborn over carefully and wash his back and bottom.
Step 11
Rinse the washcloth in the basin of water, and squeeze out the excess water. Use the washcloth to rinse your baby's skin.
Step 12
Wet her head with the washcloth if your baby has hair. Pour a small amount of baby shampoo onto the washcloth and massage it into her hair.
Step 13
Rinse the washcloth again and use it to rinse the shampoo out of your newborn's hair. If he has a lot of hair, you can leave some water in the washcloth and gently squeeze it over his head to rinse the shampoo out.
Step 14
Wrap your baby back up in the towel and carefully dry her off, starting with her head. Be sure to get the creases and folds of her skin good and dry to help reduce the risk of her getting a rash.
Tips and Warnings
- Holding a dry, folded washcloth on your baby's forehead will help keep water out of his eyes while you rinse his hair. Have your newborn's clean clothes and diaper nearby so you can dress him quickly after his bath. Babies don't usually need lotions or oils put on their skin. If you're concerned that your newborn's skin is dry, talk to your pediatrician before applying lotions or oils.
- Never leave your newborn, even for a minute. If something demands your attention away from your baby, wrap him in the towel and take him with you. Always keep one hand on your newborn. If you let go even for a second, he could move suddenly and get hurt.
Things You'll Need
- 2 towels
- Blanket
- Washcloth
- Basin or bowl
- Mild tear-free baby shampoo, if your baby has hair
- Mild tear-free baby body wash or soap
