How to Give a Newborn Baby a Safe and Comfortable Bath
Last updated: January 2026
Quick Answer
Newborns don't need daily baths - 2-3 times per week is enough. Start with sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off (usually 1-3 weeks), then transition to tub baths. Use lukewarm water (test with elbow), never leave baby unattended even for a second, and keep baths short (5-10 minutes). Bathing your newborn can feel scary at first, but with the right technique, it becomes a lovely bonding experience!
Reassurance: It's completely normal to feel nervous about your first baby bath. Take it slow, and you'll both get comfortable quickly.
Before You Start: Timing Matters
Watch: Always look for this early hunger cues.Do you feed your baby only after they start crying?
When to Give First Bath
Hospital recommendations: Delay the first bath until at least 24 hours after birth (many hospitals now wait even longer).
Why wait?
Vernix (the white, waxy coating) protects baby's skin and has antibacterial properties
Helps maintain baby's body temperature
Allows better skin-to-skin bonding
Supports breastfeeding establishment
At home: Wait until umbilical cord stump falls off (1-3 weeks) before giving tub baths. Until then, do sponge baths only.
Best Time of Day for Baths
Good Times
Why
Before evening feed
Baby relaxes, feeds well, sleeps better
After morning poop
Clean and fresh for the day
When baby is alert but calm
Easier to handle
Avoid:
Right after feeding (can cause spit-up)
When baby is very hungry (will cry throughout)
When baby is very tired (will be cranky)
What You'll Need
Bath Supplies Checklist
Essential items:
Baby bathtub or large basin (plastic tub works fine!)
2-3 soft washcloths
Soft hooded towel (2 towels if no hood)
Mild baby soap/cleanser (like Himalaya, Johnson's, or Mamaearth)
Clean diaper
Fresh clothes
Cotton balls (for eyes)
Baby lotion/oil (optional - coconut oil works great!)
Indian home tips:
A plastic balti can work as a baby tub for newborns
Mustard oil (sarson ka tel) - warm slightly, not hot, if using traditionally
Ideal temperature: 37-38°C (around body temperature)
How to check without thermometer:
Dip your elbow or inner wrist in water
Should feel comfortably warm - not hot, not cold
If it feels hot to your elbow, it's too hot for baby!
Water depth: Only 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) for newborns
Step-by-Step: Sponge Bath (First 1-3 Weeks)
Use this method until umbilical cord stump falls off.
Step 1: Gather Everything
Lay out everything within arm's reach
You should never have to leave baby to get something
Warm the room (babies get cold quickly!)
Step 2: Undress Baby Partially
Keep baby wrapped in towel, expose only the part you're washing
Start with diaper on (remove last)
This keeps baby warm and secure
Step 3: Clean Face First (No Soap)
Eyes:
Use wet cotton ball
Wipe from inner corner to outer corner
Use fresh cotton for each eye
Face:
Use damp washcloth (water only)
Gently wipe forehead, cheeks, chin
Clean behind ears and in neck folds
Step 4: Wash Hair/Head
Keep body covered with towel
Use football hold over basin
Wet head with washcloth
Apply tiny amount of baby shampoo
Rinse carefully, avoiding eyes
Pat dry immediately (most heat loss is from head!)
Step 5: Clean Body
Uncover one section at a time
Wash with damp, soapy washcloth
Pay attention to folds: neck, armpits, elbows, behind knees
Rinse with clean damp washcloth
Pat dry each section before moving on
Step 6: Diaper Area (Last)
Remove diaper
For girls: wipe front to back
For boys: clean all folds gently
Clean thoroughly but gently
Pat dry completely
Step 7: Umbilical Cord Care
Keep stump dry
Don't put water directly on it
Clean around base with cotton swab if needed
Let it air dry
Don't pull or pick at it
Step-by-Step: Tub Bath (After Cord Falls Off)
Step 1: Prepare Everything
Fill tub with 5-7 cm warm water
Test temperature
Have all supplies ready
Warm the room
Step 2: Undress Baby Completely
Remove all clothes and diaper
You can wrap in towel while lowering into water
Step 3: Lower Baby into Tub Safely
Safe holding technique:
Support baby's head and neck with one hand/forearm
That hand should grip baby's far arm/shoulder
Other hand supports bottom
Lower feet first, then bottom, then body
Keep head and neck above water always
Step 4: Wash Baby
Keep one hand supporting baby at ALL times
Use other hand to wash
Start with face (water only)
Then hair/head with tiny bit of shampoo
Then body with soap
Clean all folds carefully
Order to wash:
Face (no soap)
Scalp/hair
Neck and ears
Arms, hands, fingers
Chest and tummy
Back
Legs, feet, toes
Diaper area (last)
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Use your cupped hand or a small cup
Pour water gently over baby
Make sure no soap remains in folds
Avoid getting water in eyes, nose, mouth
Step 6: Lift and Dry Baby
Support head and neck, lift out
Place immediately in hooded towel
Pat dry (don't rub) - especially all folds
Dry hair gently
Step 7: Post-Bath Care
Apply baby lotion or oil if desired
Put on fresh diaper
Dress in warm clothes
Feed baby (they're often hungry after bath!)
Safety Rules - MUST Follow
Never Ever:
Leave baby unattended in bath - NOT EVEN FOR A SECOND
Answer phone or door during bath
Let water run while baby is in tub
Use hot water
Put baby in tub while filling it
Always:
Test water temperature before and during bath
Keep one hand on baby at all times
Have everything ready before starting
Keep bath short (5-10 minutes max)
Warm the room before undressing baby
Tips for Success
Making Bath Time Enjoyable
Talk and sing - Your voice is soothing
Make eye contact - Baby feels secure
Be calm - Baby senses your tension
Keep it short - Newborns don't need long baths
Try different times - Find what works for your baby
For Babies Who Hate Baths
Use warmer water (still safe temperature)
Keep washcloth on tummy during bath (security)
Lower baby slowly into water
Keep room very warm
Try bathing together (baby on your chest in big tub)
Give bath when baby is calm, not hungry or tired
Indian Home Practices
Malish (massage) before bath:
Many families do oil massage before bath
Warm oil slightly (test on your wrist!)
Gentle massage relaxes baby
Wait 10-15 minutes after malish, then bathe
Coconut oil, olive oil, or mustard oil commonly used
Winter bathing tips:
Bathe in warmest part of day
Heat bathroom/room beforehand
Have warm clothes ready
Quick baths - don't linger
Can skip a day or two in cold weather
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too much soap - Dries out delicate skin
Water too hot - Can burn baby's sensitive skin
Cold room - Baby loses heat quickly
Bathing daily - 2-3 times/week is enough
Rushing - Take time to be gentle
Not drying folds - Moisture causes rashes
Leaving to get something - Never leave baby alone!
When to Seek Help
Call Your Pediatrician If:
Umbilical cord stump looks red, swollen, or oozes pus
Foul smell from cord area
Baby has persistent rash that doesn't improve
Skin looks very dry, cracked, or irritated
Baby has fever after bath
Any signs of infection
Cord Stump Warning Signs
Normal
Not Normal - See Doctor
Slight smell
Foul/strong odor
Dries and shrivels
Red, swollen base
Falls off in 1-3 weeks
Pus or discharge
Tiny blood spots when falls
Bleeding that won't stop
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Newborn ko roz nahana chahiye kya?
A: Nahi, newborns ko roz nahlane ki zaroorat nahi hai! 2-3 times a week is enough. Daily bathing can dry out baby's delicate skin. Between baths, just do "topping and tailing" - clean face, neck folds, hands, and diaper area daily with a damp cloth. Exception: if baby has a big diaper blowout, of course you can clean them up!
Q: Nahlate waqt baby bahut rota hai - kya karun?
A: Many babies don't like baths at first - it's a new sensation! Try: using slightly warmer water (still safe temp), keeping a warm wet cloth on baby's tummy during bath for security, singing or talking soothingly, making baths very quick, trying different times of day when baby is calmer. Some babies love bath from day one, others take weeks to adjust. It will get better!
Q: Umbilical cord gir jaane ke baad kitne din baad tub bath de sakte hain?
A: Cord gir jaane ke 2-3 din baad you can start tub baths, once the area is completely dry and healed. Check that there's no oozing, redness, or raw skin at the site. If cord area still looks wet or irritated, continue sponge baths for a few more days. When in doubt, ask your pediatrician.
Q: Sarson ka tel malish ke baad nahana chahiye ya pehle?
A: Traditional practice is malish (massage) first, then bath. Apply oil, do gentle massage for 5-10 minutes, let it soak in for another 10-15 minutes, then bathe to wash off excess oil. Always warm the oil slightly (test on your wrist - should be lukewarm only) and never use hot oil. Some parents prefer light coconut oil which doesn't need washing off. Avoid malish if baby has any skin rashes or irritation.
Q: Baby ke kaan mein paani chala gaya - kya problem hogi?
A: Thoda paani kaan mein jaana usually not harmful - outer ear getting wet is fine and water will drain out on its own. Gently tilt baby's head to let water out, then pat dry outer ear with soft cloth. Don't insert anything into ear canal. However, try to avoid water going in by tilting baby's head appropriately while rinsing hair. If baby seems bothered, pulls at ear later, or you notice discharge, see your pediatrician.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Bath time can become a beautiful bonding ritual with your newborn. Take it slow, stay safe, and enjoy these special moments!
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