A Guide to: Bathing your Newborn
Bath time with a newborn can be a fun and exciting experience, but we recognize that it can also be nerve-wracking, and cause anxiety or stress for new parents. Before your baby arrives, you may imagine bath time as a serene and sweet experience, but many parents feel frustrated when instead it results in a crying, upset infant who doesn’t seem to enjoy anything about the process.
Our years of experience both as moms and doulas, have taught us many tips and tricks that make bath time a calm and positive experience for both parents and babies alike. We have created this guide to help you master the art of bathing your newborn and turn this task into one that you will both look forward to.
When should my baby have their first bath?
“The World Health Organization recommends that bathing should be delayed to after 24 hours of birth. If this is not possible at all due to cultural reasons, bathing should be delayed for at least 6 hours.” Contrary to popular belief, babies do not need to be bathed soon after birth. At Welcome Baby Co., We recommend waiting until after your baby’s first week of life before giving them their first bath. You can use a clean wash cloth to spot wipe them if needed during this time. There are many benefits to delaying the first bath. Let's look at what those are:
Improved bonding time. When we delay the first bath, we give our infants more uninterrupted time to be skin-to-skin with their parents. We know that this eases the transition into our world for our babies and increases satisfaction for parents when they look back on their early postpartum experience.
Helps reduce the risk of infection. Your baby’s skin is coated in a white, waxy substance called vernix. Vernix protects your baby’s skin while they are in the amniotic fluid during the pregnancy. It continues to have benefits once they are born because it has antimicrobial properties and helps protect your little one from any bacteria or germs in their new environment.
Helps ease your baby's transition into our world. When babies are born, they need to adjust to maintaining their blood sugars, heart rates, and body temperatures on their own. The best place for this is skin-to-skin with their parents. Studies have shown that delaying the first bath can improve your baby's ability to stabilize their blood sugars and reduce the risk of them becoming cold and struggling to maintain their body temperature.
Improved breastfeeding. Increased skin-to-skin time will lead to a higher chance of breastfeeding success. By reducing the chances of your baby getting cold when they are wet from a bath and needing to burn energy to warm themselves, we increase the chances of them being more energetic and able to participate in learning to breastfeed. (click here to read our guide on breastfeeding in the first few days.)
Your experience can be more special. When we delay the first bath and prioritize rest after birth, the experience with your child can be more memorable.
How often should I bathe my baby?
Babies do not require daily baths. The recommendation is to limit bathing to 1-2 times per week to protect their delicate skin from drying out. Between these baths you can use a clean washcloth to sponge bath any areas on your baby that need to be cleaned.
What if my baby still has their umbilical cord?
The recommendation is to keep the umbilical cord clean and dry until it falls off. Most cords will fall off within a week or two of the baby being born. Sponge bathing until the cord has come off is the ideal method, however, be mindful that sponge baths can make your baby cold and burn unnecessary calories. Take measures like keeping baby covered, drying each area immediately and being in a warm room to reduce this risk. If you do have to bathe your baby in a tub prior to this point, keep the water level below their tummy and avoid using soap around the umbilical cord.
*click here to read about how to care for the umbilical cord.
Supplies you will need for bathing:
A baby bathtub. We prefer the basin type that you can fill and place on a sturdy surface.
Clean washcloths. A few soft, clean wash cloths are essential for bath time.
A swaddle blanket or small hand towel. We use this to place under and cover the baby with when they are in in the bath. This will help them feel more secure and warm.
A towel. You will want a towel for after the bath to dry your baby. You don’t have to use baby towels, but you can if you want to. Have to available so that you can dry them with one, and then lay them on the second dry towel.
Diaper. Have a diaper ready to go so you’re prepared for when the bath is over.
An outfit. Have a warm, cozy outfit ready to go so that your baby isn’t cold after their bath.
Optional:
A gentle, baby friendly soap. You don’t have to use soap on your baby with every bath. Many paediatricians don’t recommend the use of soap more than once a week as it can be drying or irritating.
Rinsing cup. You can use a small cup or container to pick up water and rinse the baby. You can also use the washcloth by just giving it a squeeze.
Getting ready for the first bath:
Place the tub on a flat, sturdy surface where there is no risk of it falling.
Before you start, ensure that you have all your supplies ready to go and in reach as you cannot turn away once your baby is in the water. Ensure that you have everything you need for when the bath is over as well like a diaper and an outfit.
Make sure the room is a warm temperature so that baby is not cold when the bath is done.
Take off any jewelry or watches that could scratch the baby.
Step-by-step guide to making bath time enjoyable for everyone:
Step 1: Fill the Tub
Once the tub is placed on a sturdy, safe surface, fill it with warm water. You will want enough water so that it will cover your baby’s legs and tummy but not their chest, neck, and face. The ideal temperature is between 37-38 degrees. It's important to check the water temperature to ensure it's not too hot or too cold. You may want to lay a small towel or swaddle blanket on the bottom of the tub. This will increase your baby’s comfort. Leave enough on the sides so that you can wrap it around them once they are in the water.
Our pro tip: “A cold baby is a mad baby; a warm baby is a happy baby.”
Step 2: Undress Your Baby and place them in the tub
Undress your baby and gently place them in the bathtub, supporting their head and neck. If you have laid a towel or blanket down, you can now wrap it around them so that they feel secure and warm. Talk to your baby and smile at them. This will help reassure them that they are okay, and this is a fun and relaxing experience.
Step 3: Wash Your Baby
Using your clean washcloth, gently wash your baby, starting with their face and working your way down. If you are wiping their eyes, ensure that you are using a clean part of the cloth for each eye to prevent spreading bacteria or germs. Be sure to clean all the creases and folds, including their neck, armpits, and behind their ears. If you are using baby soap, be sure to avoid getting soap on their face or in their eyes. If you are washing the baby’s hair, do this last. Once their head is wet, they are more likely to get cold. Use a grain of rice sized amount of shampoo and use one hand to support their neck and head in a slightly tilted back position to keep the water and shampoo from running into their face and eyes.
Step 4: Rinse Your Baby
Using a cup, small container, or wash cloth, pour warm water over your baby to rinse off the soap if this has been used. Be sure to rinse thoroughly, especially in the diaper area and hair if you have washed it.
Step 5: Dry and Dress Your Baby
Gently lift your baby out of the tub supporting their neck and head. Wrap them in a towel to dry. Be sure to dry all the folds and creases, including behind the knees and in the diaper area. Once your baby is dry, put on a clean diaper and dress them in fresh, warm clothes. Continue to reassure your baby with your voice and smile.
Our pro tip: If you have a support person at home with you, you can warm the towels in the dryer and have them bring them to you once you are finished bathing the baby. Babies love a warm towel!
I had a cesarean. How can I make bath time easier?
If you have had a cesarean birth, you will not be able to lift heavy things and you may find bending a little challenging in the beginning. It is best to have help in the early days. Have someone fill and empty the tub as well as place it on a safe, elevated surface so that you are not having to lean over. Place the towel right next to the tub for easy access when you are finished. It will be helpful to have your baby’s diaper and clothes for after also placed on a nearby, elevated surface to make dressing them as easy as possible.
I am still feeling a little nervous about bathing and baby care. Can a postpartum doula help?
Absolutely! Our Calgary postpartum doulas are highly trained and confident in all aspects of newborn care, including bathing. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to bathe your baby, our doulas can provide hands-on guidance and walk you through everything from diaper changes, to bathing and cutting those teeny, tiny, adorable nails! An added bonus is that you could catch a nap while they are there, leaving you feeling more confident and rested after their visit. You can book doula support here.
You’ve got this!
With education and practice, bathing your newborn can be a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. Remember the keys are to keep your baby warm, use gentle products, and always supervise your baby during bath time. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Welcome Baby Co. for postpartum support and assistance with newborn care. We’re happy to help!
Welcome Baby Co. is a Calgary-based company. We are happy to support all kinds of families through all kinds of birth and postpartum. Our goal is to prepare you for any scenario that may arise so that you can feel confident and empowered as you enter parenthood.
If you have any questions about Calgary birth doulas, Calgary postpartum doulas, breastfeeding support in Calgary or our Prenatal classes in Calgary, please contact us.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website/blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have.