How often should I bathe my newborn?

How often to bathe

Newborns do not get very dirty, so three baths a week is enough during the first year. Bathing more often than that can dry out and irritate your baby's skin.

Between baths, clean the parts that need it daily: the face, the neck creases, the hands, and the diaper area. A soft, damp cloth is all you need for this routine wiping.

More frequent full baths are not better. Keep them short and gentle, and use a mild, fragrance-free baby cleanser if you use any soap at all.

Sponge baths until the cord falls off

Until the umbilical cord stump falls off, give sponge baths rather than tub baths. Keeping the cord dry helps it heal and fall off on its own, usually within 1 to 2 weeks.

Lay your baby on a flat, padded surface, keep them covered with a towel, and uncover and wash one area at a time so they stay warm. Clean from the cleanest areas to the diaper area last.

Once the cord has fallen off and the navel has healed, you can move to gentle tub baths with a couple of inches of warm water.

Keep bath time safe

Water temperature matters. Keep bath water warm, not hot, around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and test it on the inside of your wrist or elbow first. Set your home water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scald burns.

Use only a couple of inches of water in a tub, and never rely on a bath seat or ring to hold your baby in place.

Never leave your baby alone in or near the bath, even for an instant. Gather everything you need before you start, and if you must step away, take your baby with you.

• Bath water around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, warm not hot
• Test the water on your wrist or elbow first
• Set the home water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit
• Use only a couple of inches of water
• Never leave your baby unattended, even for a moment

Related questions

Can I bathe my newborn every day?

You do not need to, and it is better not to. Three baths a week is enough during the first year, and bathing more often can dry out your baby's skin. Between baths, clean the face, neck, hands, and diaper area daily with a soft, damp cloth. If your baby finds a warm bath soothing, keep daily baths short and gentle and use little or no soap.

When can my newborn have a real tub bath?

Wait until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the navel has healed, which usually happens within 1 to 2 weeks. Until then, give sponge baths to keep the cord dry. Once you switch to tub baths, use only a couple of inches of warm water, around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and never leave your baby unattended.

What water temperature is safe for a newborn bath?

Keep bath water warm, not hot, around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and always test it on the inside of your wrist or elbow before placing your baby in. To prevent scald burns, set your home water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Use only a couple of inches of water and stay within arm's reach the entire time.

Sources & further reading

1. HealthyChildren.org (AAP) — Bathing Your Newborn
2. American Academy of Dermatology — How to Bathe a Newborn
3. Nationwide Children's Hospital — Bathing Your Baby

This article reflects current AAP, CDC, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.