Bathing your baby

Bathing your baby can be a time of fun and closeness for both of you.

Bathe your baby two to three times a week. Choose a time when your baby is not hungry.

Before the bath

• Before you undress your baby, gather everything you need: washcloth, water, shampoo, soft-bristled baby hairbrush, soap, clean diaper, and clean clothing.
• Test the water on your inner arm or wrist. It should be warm, not hot.

During the bath

Hold your baby so her shoulders and head are over the tub when you wash her head.	Use both hands to gently place her in the tub.	Gently support her head and neck with one hand while you bathe her with the other hand.

• Hold your baby firmly during the bath. Babies are slippery when wet.
• Do not leave your baby, even for a moment.
• Use soap that is perfume and dye free -- newborn skin is sensitive.
  • Use very little soap -- newborn skin dries out easily.
  • Rinse the soap off well.
• Wash from face down to toes. Use a clean edge of the washcloth or cotton balls to cleanse each eye. Wipe from the center of the nose out toward the cheeks.
  • For girls, gently wash the inside of the labia by wiping down toward the buttocks, and use a clean part of the washcloth for each side.
  • For boys, wash gently around the foreskin, down the penis, and around and under the scrotum.
• Shampooing can be done two or three times a week.
  • Use a tearless shampoo (only a small amount) and rinse well.
  • Towel dry the hair, then brush it with a soft-bristled baby brush.
  • Even if your baby doesn't have much hair, brush it every day to stimulate hair growth and prevent dry scalp (cradle cap).

After the bath

• Wrap and dry your baby with a soft towel.
• Lotion is OK to use if your baby's skin is very dry.
• Don't use powder. It can enter your baby's lungs and make him sick.

Related Links

Cutting nails

Hygiene: Baths & nails

Your newborn, baby

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 11/30/2006

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts