The Playbook

How to Bathe a Newborn: Sponge Baths, First Tub Baths and Safety

Bathing a newborn without panic: sponge baths until the cord falls off, how to give the first tub bath, water temperature, how often, and the safety rules.

By the Guide to Fatherhood editorial team. Last reviewed . 2 min read.

Checked against guidance from organizations like the AAP, CDC, ACOG and NHS (linked below). This is general information, not medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer.

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Bath time is a classic dad job, and a great one: it’s short, it’s hands-on, and once your baby likes the water, it’s fun. The first few baths are nerve-wracking because newborns are slippery and floppy. Set up properly and it’s very manageable.

The one rule that matters most

Never leave a baby alone in or near water, even for a second. Not to grab a towel, not to answer the door. Babies can drown in an inch of water, quickly and silently (AAP). Gather everything before you start. If you have to leave, wrap the baby in a towel and take them with you.

Sponge baths first

Until the umbilical cord stump falls off and the area heals, usually within one to three weeks, the AAP recommends sponge baths instead of tub baths.

  1. Warm room, flat padded surface (a towel on the floor or a changing pad with a hand on the baby).
  2. Gather supplies: a bowl of warm water, washcloths, mild baby soap, a towel, a clean diaper and clothes.
  3. Keep the baby wrapped in a towel, uncovering one part at a time.
  4. Face first, with a damp washcloth and no soap. Wipe each eye from the inside corner out, using a clean part of the cloth for each.
  5. Neck folds, hands, armpits and the diaper area last, with a little soap.
  6. Pat dry, especially in the creases, and dress them quickly.

The first tub bath

Once the stump is off and healed:

  1. Set up first: towel, washcloth, soap, diaper, clothes, all within reach.
  2. Fill the infant tub with about 2 inches of warm water. Test with your wrist or elbow; it should feel warm, not hot.
  3. Support the head and neck with one arm, and lower the baby in feet first.
  4. Keep them warm by pouring cupfuls of water over their body during the bath.
  5. Wash from top to bottom: face (no soap), hair, body, diaper area last.
  6. Lift out carefully (wet babies are slippery) and wrap in a towel right away.

The whole thing takes about 5 minutes. Newborns don’t need long baths.

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How often?

The AAP says about three baths a week is plenty in the first year. More often can dry out a baby’s skin. Between baths, clean the face, neck folds, hands and diaper area as needed. The NHS calls this “topping and tailing” and suggests it on non-bath days.

Small tips from dads who’ve done it

  • Make the room warm. Cold babies are angry babies.
  • Warm the towel on a radiator or in the dryer for a minute.
  • Use bath time as bedtime routine. Bath, pajamas, feed, book, bed.
  • Get in the big tub with them once they’re bigger and you’re confident, with another adult to hand the baby in and out.
  • Sing. It calms the baby and, honestly, you.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you bathe a newborn?

The AAP says about three times a week is enough during the first year. More often can dry out a baby's skin. In between, clean the face, neck folds and diaper area as needed.

When can a baby have a tub bath?

Give sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off and the area heals (usually within one to three weeks). After that, a shallow tub bath is fine. If your baby was circumcised, ask your pediatrician about timing.

What temperature should bath water be?

Warm, not hot. Test it with your wrist or elbow; it should feel comfortably warm. Setting your water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower helps prevent scald burns.

Sources

  1. Bathing Your Newborn, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
  2. Washing and bathing your baby, NHS
  3. Drowning Prevention for Curious Toddlers and Older Children, AAP (HealthyChildren.org)

We link to the original source for every medical and safety claim. Guidance changes; if a source has been updated since our last review, the source wins. How we research.