How Often Should You Bathe a Newborn?

Less is more

It’s a common surprise for new parents: newborns don’t need a daily bath. Around two or three times a week is enough. Newborn skin is thin and easily dried out, and over-bathing can strip its natural oils. Between baths, gentle spot-cleaning is all that’s needed.

Sponge baths first

Until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the area has healed, it’s best to keep your baby out of the water and give a sponge bath instead. Lay your baby on a warm, padded surface, keep them wrapped and expose one area at a time, and wipe gently with a damp, warm cloth.

Topping and tailing between baths

“Topping and tailing” means cleaning just the parts that need it — the face, behind the ears, the neck folds where milk collects, the hands, and the nappy area — without a full bath. It keeps your baby fresh and comfortable with minimal fuss.

Bath-time safety

• Never leave your baby alone in or near water, even for a second.
• Check the temperature — warm, not hot. Test it with your elbow or the inside of your wrist before your baby goes in.
• Keep the room warm and have towels and a clean nappy ready before you start.
• Keep it short — a few minutes is plenty for a newborn.
• Support the head and neck at all times, and use only a little plain water or a gentle, fragrance-free baby wash.

Once the cord has healed

After the stump falls off and heals, you can move to a small baby bath. Fill it with just a few centimetres of warm water, lower your baby in supporting their head and shoulders, and keep the same short, warm, closely-supervised routine.