Baby Care Bath Care

How do I bathe a newborn baby?

Bathing a newborn baby takes a slightly different approach to an older baby. A newborn baby with an umbilical cord stump needs a sponge bath. To give them a sponge bath, use flannels or face cloths, cotton wool, baby wipes and soft towels. Use warm water that contains a small amount of baby bubble bath, but do not use this to clean their face – just use pure water. At this stage, you shouldn't give a newborn baby a full soak in a baby bath. Always keep one hand under your baby whilst bathing them, and support their head at all times.

How often should I bathe my baby?

As babies don't get very grubby, they realistically shouldn't need to be bathed more than three or four times a week. It all really depends on how your baby smells and what you feel comfortable with. As long as you continuously clean their bottom every time they have a nappy change, you shouldn't need to bathe them every day in the first few months.

What temperature should I have my baby's bath water?

Because babies have very sensitive skin, you don't want to place them in very hot water, as this could cause burns, discomfort and irritation. A baby's bath water should be between 32-37 degrees Celsius. Always test the water first with a thermometer before placing your baby into it.

How long should a baby bath last?

Bathing a baby shouldn't take more than 10 minutes. Bathing them for too long could make their skin dry out, especially if they have sensitive skin. To make the process quicker, use baby wipes for their face, or go for a 'top and tail' style wash.