How to Bathe A Newborn Step By Step

Bathing your newborn baby for the first time can be stressful. Especially, if you don’t know what to do or you are not prepared like myself when we gave or baby her first bath. After reading this step by step guide you will know how to bathe a newborn baby girl.

My husband and I waited until we took our baby home from the hospital (a couple days) to bathe her for the first time. There are so many benefits to delaying your baby’s first bath.

Like most new moms, I had no idea now how to give a newborn a bath with umbilical cord. I also didn’t know how often to bathe a newborn with umbilical cord. I learned that until the umbilical cord falls off, it’s best to give your baby sponge baths. It will help keep their bodies clean while also keeping their umbilical cord stump clean and dry! A sponge bath is only needed 1-2 times per week. No soap or shampoo is needed. You don’t want to wash them too often either, because it can cause newborn skin to become dry or irritated.

Baby Bath Essentials:

Baby Tub

I recommend using The Skip Hop Moby Bathtub or Angelcare baby bath because they are affordable and can be used from birth until your baby can sit up on their own.

We used the Skip Hob Tub on the kitchen counter when our first baby was a newborn. When she grew bigger we used it in our bath tub. With our second baby we used the Angel care Baby bath inside the bathtub from birth until she could walk.

Washcloths– I love Bamboo wash cloths because they are so gentle and soft. I use them to wash both my kids and to wash my face because I have sensitive skin.

Hooded Towels are great for babies and kids because they are easy to wrap around their bodies to keep them warm and the hood keeps their head warm and dry as well.

Baby Soap and Baby Shampoo

You do NOT have to use soap to wash your newborn, but if you want to I recommend using a gentle non-toxic baby shampoo or body wash that is free from harmful chemicals. We didn’t use soap on our baby’s when they were newborns but as they got older we started using Babo Botanicals shampoo and wash because it is non toxic and fragrance free. I even use it on my own hair and body and in place of shaving cream because I have sensitive skin especially on my scalp.

When to bathe your newborn

You can bath your newborn about 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. A nice warm bath can help your baby feel more relaxed before bed. Always have all your bath essentials ready and accessible before you place your baby in the bath. Never leave your baby unattended in the bath.

Before bathing your baby read these infant water safety tips.

How to Bathe Your Newborn Baby Step By Step

To be honest when we had our first daughter we had no idea how to bathe a newborn. The first few times we bathed her she screamed and hated it. Through trial and error by the time we had our second baby we felt like experts. She has always loved bath time. Here is a step by step guide to help you bathe your newborn.

1. Make sure your home is a comfortable safe temperature for your baby, around 73-75 degrees
2. The temperature of the bathwater should be about 99/100 F. If you don’t have a bath thermometer, test the water with your elbow or wrist it should feel warm, but not hot.
3. Place one washcloth in the warm water and set it on your baby’s tummy to keep your baby warm.
4. Dip another washcloth in the bathwater and squeeze the cloth to drip water over your baby’s arms and legs a few times to keep them warm.
5. Gently wipe your babies face with the damp cloth.
6. Next, try your best to wash the neck folds and arm and leg folds to prevent rashes.
7. You can rub your babies hands with the damp cloth or baby soap and rinse them off before your baby places their hands in their mouth.
8. Repeat the same process with their arms, legs, and feet.
9. To clean your newborn’s hair gently wipe your baby’s with the damp cloth tipping their head back a little while holding their neck. If you use baby shampoo rinse their hair with a cup making sure the soap and water don’t go down their face or ears.
10. When your done bathing your newborn baby I usually had my husband bring a hooded baby towel and he would hold it up in front of me while I placed our baby in the towel and wrapped her to keep her warm.
11. Gently dry your baby with a towel on the changing table or on a clean blanket.
12. Put on a new diaper.
13. Lightly brush hair with a soft baby brush.
14. Dress your newborn in cozy pajamas and feed your baby then your newborn baby will be ready for bedtime.

How to bathe a newborn without a baby tub

You can sponge bath your newborn in a clean empty sink or you can take them in the shower with you and let the water run on their body but be careful with their umbilical cord. I didn’t feel comfortable showering with our baby’s until they were bigger because they were slippery so I just used a baby tub but I know many parents who just washed their newborns in the shower with them.

Now that you know how to bathe a newborn you can feel more confident when giving them a bath.

Bathing a newborn baby boy will be different. If you have a newborn boy here are some tips to keep them clean whether they are circumcised or uncircumcised.

I would love to hear from you! Comment and share this post if you found this step by step guide helpful.

JOIN MY TRIBE!

Drop your email below for updates, freebies, resources, and special offers! 

Opt in for updates and freebies.

LET’S DO IT!

Loading…

Thank you!

Be on the look out for a confirmation email including your FREE PRINTABLES!