- For a newborn's first bath, it's recommended to wait until the umbilical cord site is fully dry and the cord has fallen off. If the baby was circumcised, parents should also wait for that area to heal completely before the first tub bath.
- Until the baby can have a proper bath, sponge baths are an appropriate and safe way to keep the baby clean, especially given that regular diaper changes and wiping up spit-up help with cleanliness.
- Newborns don't need daily baths; bathing two to three times a week is sufficient and helps prevent the baby's skin from getting too dry.
- When a bath is given, use soap sparingly, applying it only to very dirty areas. It is best to use a mild, fragrance-free soap and rinse it off promptly.
- To keep the baby warm during a sponge bath and dry afterward, parents should ensure the room is warm and wrap the baby in a towel, keeping them dry and comfortable.
What to Know About Newborn Bath Time
Wait to give your baby their first bath until the umbilical cord and any circumcision site have fully healed.
Zoe Frolking, MD, MSPH, Pediatrics
