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. After reading this step by step guide you will know how to bathe a newborn.

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.

“Until the umbilical cord falls off, it is best to give your baby sponge baths. This will help keep their little hands, feet, faces, and bodies clean while keeping their umbilical cord stump clean and dry! A sponge bath is truly only needed 1-2 times per week, as too frequent bathing can cause newborn skin to become dry or irritated.”

Baby Bath Essentials:

I recommend using The Skip Hop Moby Bathtub because it’s very affordable, can be used from birth until your baby can sit up on there own, and you can use it in any room.

We used the Skip Hob Tub on the kitchen counter when our baby was a newborn. When she grew bigger we used it in our bath tub. 

Washcloths- I love the Burt’s Bees brand because they are gentle and high quality.

Hooded Towels are great because they are easy to wrap around the baby and the hood keeps their head warm.

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/ body wash that is free from harmful chemicals. We used Baby Bum when my daughter was a baby.

After she turned one we started using Monat Junior shampoo because it is naturally based, free from toxic chemicals, and smells amazing.

When to bathe your newborn

I recommend bathing your newborn about an hour to an hour and a half before bedtime. A nice warm bath can make your baby 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 A Newborn Baby Step By Step

To be honest when we had our daughter we had no idea how to bathe a newborn. We learned through trial and error. Here is what worked for our baby.

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 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 them 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. (Always Wipe your babies face with water first)
5. Next, try your best to wash the neck folds and arm and leg rolls to prevent rashes.
6. Rub your babies hands with baby soap and rinse them off before your baby places their hands in their mouth.
7. Repeat the same process with their arms, legs, and feet.
8. Shampoo your baby’s hair by tipping their head back a little while holding their neck. Rinse their hair making sure the soap and water don’t go down their face or ears.
9. When your done bathing your baby I recommend having someone bring the towel and hold it up in front of you while you place the baby in the towel and wrap them and put the hood over the top of their head to keep them warm.
10. Dry your baby with a towel on the changing table or on a clean blanket.
11. Put on a new diaper.
12. Lightly brush hair with a soft baby brush.
13. Dress your baby in cozy pajamas and then feed your baby then she will be ready for bedtime.

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

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

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