How to Bathe an Infant

Co-authored by Kylee Money

Last Updated: December 14, 2023 References

Bathing a newborn for the first time can be a little daunting. It is important to keep babies safe and cozy, especially during their first few months, and that's tricky to do during bathtime. With the right supplies and a bit of practice, bathing your child can be a fun, playful experience, and the perfect time for the two of you to bond together. Read on to learn how to prepare for the bath, wash your baby safely, and make them comfortable after you're finished.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing for Bath Time

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1
Get everything ready in advance. Once the baby is in the bath, you won't be able to leave them for even a moment, so it's important to set out everything you need before you begin.^{[1]
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- Gather what you need for the bath itself, including the tub, a cup for pouring water, gentle baby soap, two washcloths, and cotton balls for cleaning the baby's eyes and ears.
- Optionally, collect a few bath toys for the baby to play with.
- Lay out what you'll need after the bath, including a towel, a brush or comb, lotion or oil, a diaper, diaper ointment and a clean set of clothes nearby.
- Until the umbilical cord has fallen off, sponge bathes are probably the easiest way to wash the baby because dry cord care is currently recommended--just leaving the stump alone to let it fall by itself. Despite what you have heard, there is no need to use rubbing alcohol to clean baby's umbilical cord area if it is still attached.
Wear something you don't mind getting wet and soapy. Roll up long sleeves, and remove jewelry like watches, rings, and bracelets. Make sure your clothes don't have zippers or pins that could scratch the baby's skin. Many caregivers like wearing a terrycloth bathrobe while bathing a baby.^{[2]
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Set up the tub. Most baby tubs available are shaped so as to support the infant's neck and head. They usually have a mat or sling that prevents the baby from being completely submerged in water. Place the baby bath in a clean sink, bathtub, or on the floor, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
- If you don't have a baby bath, you may use a clean kitchen sink instead. Just make sure the tap does not touch the baby's head. Tap covers are available for baby-proofing your sink.
- Do not use a full-size adult bathtub to bathe a newborn baby.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kylee Money
  Parenting Consultant
  
  Expert Interview. 21 May 2021.} They are too deep, and it's difficult to make sure the baby doesn't slip during the bath.
- If your baby bath doesn't have a tread on the bottom to keep the baby from slipping, line it with a washcloth or separate bath mat.
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Fill the tub with a few inches of warm water. Run the water and test the temperature. You may use your elbow, wrist or a special bath thermometer to make sure the water isn't too hot or cold for the baby. The water should be comfortably warm to the touch, but not as hot as you'd prefer for your own bath or shower.^{[4]
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- If the baby still has their umbilical cord attached, simply fill a bowl with water so you can administer a sponge bath instead.
- Always test the water before placing the baby in the bath.
- When in doubt, err on the cooler side; your hands are rougher than a baby's sensitive skin, so they will feel heat more acutely than you.
- Do not fill the tub more than a couple of inches. Babies should never be submerged in water. As your baby gets a little bigger, you can add a bit more water, but never enough to come close to submerging the baby.

Part 2

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Bathing Your Baby

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Lay your baby in the tub feet first. Keep one hand supporting the baby's back, neck and head as you carefully lower them into the tub. Continue supporting the baby throughout the bath with one hand, and use the other hand to wash them.^{[5]
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- Babies can be very wriggly and slippery, so be very careful once they become wet.
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Begin washing the baby. Use a cup, or your cupped hand, to get the baby's body wet. Use a soft washcloth to gently wash the baby's face, body, arms and legs.^{[6]
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- Use cotton balls to wipe the baby's eyes and ears.
- If you wish, you can use a safe baby soap that is very neutral, but it isn't necessary; a gentle scrub and wash down are adequate to keep babies clean. Don't forget to get between all the little creases and behind the ears and under the neck, where spit-up and moisture tend to collect.
- Use a little baby soap on a washcloth to wash the baby's hands and feet.
- Clean the baby's genitals last, using a dab of baby soap if you wish. If you have a baby who is circumcised, gently wipe them with the wet washcloth. Wash female babies from front to back to prevent infection.
3
Wash the hair. If it is necessary to wash the baby's hair, lean them back and gently massage water into the hair and scalp. Use the cup to pour clean water over the baby's head. You can use baby shampoo if desired, but there is really no need. Babies are born with all the natural oils needed to keep the scalp healthy, and shampoos can easily spoil this balance.^{[7]
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- If you use baby shampoo, use your hand to protect the baby's eyes from being irritated.
- Before rinsing, check again to make sure that the temperature of the running water is not too hot.
Support the baby's head, neck, and back with one arm, and hold their bottom and thigh with the other. Place baby in a towel, being careful to cover their head.

Part 3

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After the Bath

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Towel the baby dry. Dry the baby's body first, making sure to dry gently behind the ears and in the skin folds, so that no excess moisture is left there. Towel-dry the hair as much as possible.^{[8]
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- Remember that the fine hair of a baby will dry quickly. Do not use a hairdryer, as it is unnecessary and potentially dangerous.
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Apply ointments if necessary. Dab a little ointment on the baby's diaper rash or circumcision wound if you've been advised to by a doctor.^{[9]
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- It's OK to apply baby creams, lotions, or oils if you'd like, but these are unnecessary.
- If the baby still has their umbilical cord attached, use a cotton ball or dry sponge to gentle dry the area. No need to use rubbing alcohol.
^{[10]
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Question

How do I rinse the shampoo out of my baby's hair without getting it in their eyes?

Kylee Money
Parenting Consultant
Kylee Money is a Parenting Consultant and the Founder and CEO of Parenting Made Joyful. Since 2001, Kylee has worked with over 1,000 parents and families on sleep training, behavior management, potty training, and more. She is a contributing writer and board advisory member at Pampers.com, a CBS News Parent Expert, and featured on Fox and Friends and Buy Buy Baby. Kylee also speaks nationally at parenting expos on the subject of sleep training.

Kylee Money

Parenting Consultant

Expert Answer

Instead of pouring water on their head to rinse it off, get a washcloth, get it wet, wring out the water, and then wipe from their forehead to the back of their head to get the majority of the shampoo off. Then, rinse out the washcloth and repeat the same process until you get the shampoo all out of their hair so that they don't get anything in their eyes.

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When should I teach my baby to bathe on its own?

Beau Gavigan

Community Answer

It will be a long while before your child can bathe independently. At about 5 or 6 you can leave them alone (staying very close by and checking constantly).Typically, when your child is uncomfortable with you seeing them naked (usually between 6 and 8) is when you can give them full privacy in the bath. In the meantime, encourage your child to participate in bath time in age appropriate ways. Between the ages of 1 and 2 is when most children begin to become interested in participating in the bathing process.

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How much water should I use to bathe an infant?

Community Answer

You should use just enough water to cover the infant's bottom and legs when they're lying on their back. Too much water could pose a risk for drowning.

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Tips

Babies who still have their umbilical cords should be sponge-bathed until it falls off.

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Bath time is more than a utilitarian chore - it's a wonderful opportunity to bond and play. Relax, take your time when possible, and let everyone enjoy the experience. It's a great time to sing to your child. The baby will enjoy a great sensory experience, some attention, splashing, and more.

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For a real indulgence, warm the towels in the dryer.

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Warnings

Be careful with the products you choose to use on the baby. There are lots of products marketed as baby soaps and shampoos, but not all of them with work well if your baby's skin. Watch out for signs of irritation or rashes.

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Avoid using adult bar soap on a baby; it is too drying.

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Make sure that the room in which you are bathing baby is warm.

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Don't even think about leaving a baby unattended in any amount of water! An adult needs to supervise a baby at all times.

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