This can help your baby feel safe and secure in the bath. Generally, babies get used to baths by around three months. For more information, check out our illustrated guide to bathing a newborn. Skip to content Skip to navigation. How often to give your newborn a bath A bath times a week is enough to keep your newborn clean. When to give your newborn a bath You can bath your baby at any time of the day. Where to bath your newborn You can give your newborn a bath in a small plastic bath or even in the kitchen sink.
Make sure you have everything you need within reach — for example, towel, washcloth, cream or ointment, clean clothes and clean nappy. If needed, use a fragrance-free oil or a gentle non-soap cleanser at the end of the bath. Position the bath somewhere stable and at a height where you can comfortably hold your baby. Bathing your baby's a lovely way to spend time together and bond with them. When bathing your baby keep one hand under their head and shoulders to support them NHS Health Scotland.
To bath your baby: keep one hand under their head and shoulders to support them use your free hand to wet their body - if they only have a little hair, rinse their head by pouring some water over it with your hand rub over the skin gently with a clean cloth Dry your baby in a large, soft warm towel, put on their nappy and dress them.
Using soaps and shampoos Only use plain water for newborn babies. Babies with longer hair may need a drop of mild shampoo on wet hair, lathered and rinsed off. Washing between the folds Some babies have folds of skin, especially round their neck, thighs and wrists.
Clean inside these folds gently. Get everything ready beforehand. You'll need a bowl of warm water, a towel, cotton wool, a fresh nappy and, if necessary, clean clothes. You don't need to bathe your baby every day, but if they really enjoy it, there's no reason why you shouldn't. It's best not to bathe your baby straight after a feed or when they're hungry or tired. Make sure the room you're bathing them in is warm. Have everything you need at hand: a baby bath or clean washing-up bowl filled with warm water, 2 towels, a clean nappy, clean clothes and cotton wool.
Some babies are born with long nails and it's important to cut them in case they scratch themselves. You can buy special baby nail clippers or small, round-ended safety scissors.
Or you could try filing them down with a fine emery board instead. Page last reviewed: 15 September Next review due: 15 September Washing and bathing your baby.
Topping and tailing tips Hold your baby on your knee or lay them on a changing mat. Once the umbilical area is healed, you can try placing your baby directly in the water.
His first baths should be as gentle and brief as possible. He may protest a little. If this happens go back to sponge baths for a week or two, then try the bath again. Babies usually make it clear when they're ready. Use an infant tub or sink. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a hard plastic baby bathtub that has a sloped, textured surface or sling that keeps your baby from sliding.
Only use an infant bath tub manufactured on or after October 2, so it meets current safety standards. Some parents find it easiest to bathe a newborn in a bathinette, sink, or plastic tub lined with a clean towel. Yes, a sink! Sometimes easiest is best; just be careful. Sinks are slippery and have all sorts of things sticking out like faucets and handles. Avoid using bath seats. These seats provide support so a child can sit upright in an adult bathtub.
Unfortunately, they can easily tip over. A child can fall into the bathwater and drown. Use touch supervision. Have a towel and other bath supplies within reach so you can keep a hand on your baby at all times.
If you've forgotten something or need to answer the phone or door during the bath, you must take the baby with you. Start practicing infant water safety now : Never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for an instant.
Most child drownings inside the home occur in bathtubs, and more than half of bathtub deaths involve children under 1 year of age. Check the water temperature. Fill the basin with 2 inches of water that feels warm—not hot—to the inside of your wrist or elbow.
If you're filling the basin from the tap, turn the cold water on first and off last to avoid scalding yourself or your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics AAP recommends that the hottest temperature at the faucet should be no more than degrees Fahrenheit to help avoid burns. In many cases you can adjust your water heater setting to not go above this temperature. Tap water that's too hot can quickly cause burns serious enough to require a hospital visit or even surgery.
In fact, hot water scalds are the top cause of burns among babies and young children. Once you've undressed your baby, place her in the water immediately so she doesn't get chilled.
Use one of your hands to support her head and the other to guide her in, feet first. Talk to her encouragingly, and gently lower the rest of her body until she's in the tub. Most of her body and face should be well above the water level for safety, so you'll need to pour warm water over her body frequently to keep her warm.
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