Babies don’t need a daily bath. Two or three baths a week is plenty in the first year, with a quick wipe of the face, neck folds and diaper area in between. Until the umbilical cord stump falls off, give sponge baths; after that, a short tub bath in a few inches of warm water. The one rule that never changes: keep a hand on your baby and never leave them, even for a second.

Key takeaways

  • Water should be warm, not hot: about 100°F (38°C), tested with your wrist or elbow.
  • Use only 2–3 inches of water for infants; babies can drown in very little water.
  • Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower to prevent scalds.
  • Mild, fragrance-free wash — and not much of it.
  • Gather everything before you start so you never step away.

Sponge bath (newborns, before the cord falls off)

  1. Warm the room and lay your baby on a towel on a flat, safe surface (or the floor).
  2. Keep your baby wrapped, uncovering one area at a time.
  3. Wipe the eyes with plain water, inner corner to outer, using a fresh part of the cloth for each eye.
  4. Wash face, then neck creases, behind the ears, hands and feet.
  5. Clean the diaper area last, front to back.
  6. Keep the cord stump dry; pat everything dry and dress quickly.

Tub bath, step by step

  1. Gather supplies: towel, washcloth, mild wash, clean diaper and clothes.
  2. Fill 2–3 inches of warm water in an infant tub. Check the temperature.
  3. Lower your baby feet-first, supporting the head and neck with one arm.
  4. Keep them warm by pouring cupfuls of water over their body.
  5. Wash top to bottom, hair last so they don’t get cold.
  6. Lift out carefully — wet babies are slippery — and wrap in a hooded towel.

Ten minutes is plenty. Older babies enjoy a few bath toys — check they’re designed to drain or can be cleaned so they don’t grow mould.

Skin care after the bath

  • Pat dry, especially in creases.
  • For dry or eczema-prone skin, apply a fragrance-free moisturiser right after the bath while skin is still slightly damp.
  • Skip bubble baths, perfumes and talc.
  • Cradle cap? Gently loosen scales with a soft brush and a little baby shampoo.
Bath safety rules

  • Never leave a baby alone in or near water — take your baby with you if the doorbell rings.
  • Bath seats and rings are not safety devices; babies can slip out or tip over.
  • Don’t put your baby in the tub while the water is running — temperatures can change suddenly.
  • Empty the tub straight after use.

Making bath time part of the bedtime routine

A warm bath is a calming cue before sleep for many babies — but it doesn’t need to be nightly. On non-bath nights, a quick wash with a warm cloth keeps the routine the same. See our sleep schedule guide for a full routine.

Frequently asked questions

When can I give my baby a tub bath?

Once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the area has healed — usually 1–3 weeks after birth. After circumcision, follow your doctor’s advice.

Can I bathe with my baby?

Yes, with care: have another adult hand your baby to you and take them out, keep the water warm not hot, and hold your baby securely.

How do I clean my baby’s nose and ears?

Wipe the outer ear with a cloth — never use cotton swabs inside. Saline drops and a bulb syringe help a stuffy nose.

More newborn basics: newborn care guide and diaper rash.

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