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Key takeaways

• Consider sponge bathing (“topping and tailing") your baby instead of a full bath in the first few weeks.
• Most newborns only need a bath 2 to 3 times a week, although daily baths are fine if they enjoy them.
• Always check bath water temperature with your elbow or thermometer before bathing your baby.
• Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second.

When and how often to bathe your baby

Bathing frequency and transition

You do not need to give your baby a full bath in the first few days. Instead, you can wash their face, neck, hands, and bottom carefully. This is sometimes called “topping and tailing.”

You do not need to bathe your newborn every day. 2 to 3 times a week is fine. However, if you and your baby both enjoy daily baths, this is also fine.

In the first few weeks, you may prefer washing your baby by topping and tailing them. This means using bowls of warm water to wash them, rather than a bath. You can do this once or twice a day.

As your baby grows and you feel more confident, you can use a slightly deeper bath. For at least the first month, bathe your baby with plain water only. Avoid soaps, bubble baths, lotions, oils, fragranced products, or cleansers in your baby’s bath water.

Caring for the umbilical cord

You only need to wash around your baby's umbilical cord if it is dirty. To care for the cord and reduce the chance of infection, wash your hands before and after. Clean the area with fresh cotton wool and warm water. Gently pat it dry with a towel. Let the water run gently around the stump to remove any discharge.

Otherwise, keep the cord clean and dry. Leave the cord open to the air and ensure it is outside of the nappy.

Your baby's umbilical cord usually dries and falls off within about 2 weeks. The area should then heal completely within another week to 10 days. The cord does not have any nerves, so this will not hurt your baby.

How to give your baby a sponge bath

A sponge bath is also known as "topping and tailing." You can do this instead of a full bath, especially in the first few weeks. Choose a time when your baby is awake and content.

Supplies for a sponge bath

• A warm room
• A bowl of warm water
• Cotton wool
• A towel
• A fresh nappy
• Clean clothes

Step-by-step guide for a sponge bath

1. Hold your baby on your knee or lay them on a changing mat.
2. Take off all their clothes, except for their vest and nappy. Wrap them in a towel.
3. Dip cotton wool in the water, and squeeze out any excess. Gently wipe around your baby's eyes from the nose outward.
4. Use a fresh piece of cotton wool for each eye.
5. Use a fresh piece of cotton wool to clean around your baby's ears, but not inside them. Never use cotton buds to clean inside your baby's ears.
6. Wash the rest of your baby's face, neck, and hands with cotton wool in the same way. Dry them gently with the towel.
7. Take off the nappy. Wash your baby's bottom and between their legs with fresh cotton wool and warm water.
8. Dry very carefully, including between the skin folds. Then put on a clean nappy.
9. It will help your baby relax if you keep talking while you wash them.

Giving your baby a tub bath

When giving your baby a tub bath, have everything you need at hand. These are the same supplies as for a sponge bath.

Choosing a baby tub and water preparation

It is usually easier to use a basin or a small baby bath on the floor. When filling the bath, put cold water in first and then add the hot water.

Fill it with 8 to 10cm of water so your baby can move their arms and legs. Always check the bath water temperature before putting your baby in. The water should feel warm but not hot. Check it with your elbow or a bath thermometer. Mix the water well so there are no hot spots.

Bathing your baby safely

• Hold your baby on your knee and clean their face using damp cotton wool.
• If needed, wash their hair with plain water while supporting them over the bowl.
• Dry their hair gently to keep them warm.
• Remove their nappy and wipe away any mess before lowering them into the bath.
• Lower your baby gently into the bath on their back.
• Use one hand to support their head, shoulders, and upper arm, while using the other hand to gently swish the water over their body without splashing.
• Keep your baby's head above water throughout the bath.

Using soap and shampoo

For newborn babies, only use plain water. After the first month, you can use a small amount of unperfumed baby cleanser if you wish. Be careful to only use a little so you do not irritate your baby's delicate skin.

For babies with longer hair, you can use a drop of mild shampoo. Lather it on wet hair and rinse it off completely.

Cleaning skin folds

Some babies have skin folds, especially around their neck, thighs, and wrists. Milk, sweat, and moisture can collect in these areas, which may irritate the skin. Clean between the folds gently.

Important safety precautions

Babies of any age should always be supervised by adults while in the bath. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second.

Do not allow older children to look after your baby in the bath. It's important to remember that babies can get into difficulty very quickly and quietly in even a small amount of water.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recommends that baby bath seats are not used. Bath seats can come away from the bath.

Essential baby bathing dos and don'ts

Here are some helpful dos and don'ts for bathing your baby:

Do

• Fill the bath with cold water first, then add hot water.
• Check the water temperature with your elbow or a bath thermometer.
• Use plain water only during the first month.
• Support your baby’s head and shoulders throughout the bath.
• Keep your baby's head above water.
• Clean skin folds gently and dry them well.
• Keep your baby warm before and after bathing.
• Pat your baby dry carefully, especially in skin creases.

Don’t

• Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second.
• Don’t allow older children to supervise your baby in the bath.
• Don’t bathe your baby immediately after a feed, or when they are hungry or very tired.
• Don't use baby bath seats.
• Don’t use cotton buds to clean inside your baby's ears.
• Don’t use soaps, bubble baths, lotions, oils, and fragranced bath products during the first month. Plain water is all your baby needs.