The Ultimate Guide to Newborn Baby Bathing: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Updated at: 13/06/2025

Bringing your newborn home is a joyous occasion, filled with countless moments of wonder and, let's be honest, a few moments of bewilderment. One of the first hurdles new parents often face is bathing their tiny human. While it might seem daunting at first, with the right knowledge and preparation, bath time can become a relaxing and bonding experience for both you and your little one. The seemingly simple act of washing a baby requires a gentle touch and a careful approach, ensuring their safety and comfort are prioritized above all else. Fear not, overwhelmed parents!

This guide will walk you through the process of newborn bathing with a detailed, step-by-step tutorial designed to alleviate any anxiety and equip you with the confidence to handle this important task. We'll cover everything from gathering essential supplies and preparing the bath to the best techniques for washing and drying your precious baby, ensuring a clean and calm bath time routine. Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to make bath time a breeze.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a second. Drowning can happen incredibly quickly.
  • Always use lukewarm water; test the temperature with your inner wrist before placing your baby in the bath.
  • Support your baby's head and neck at all times. Their muscles aren't strong enough to support their own heads.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bath

    • Fill the basin with cold water first, then add warm water to about 1/3 of the tub's level. Mix well and test the temperature with your forearm; it should be comfortably warm.
    Prepare the bath: Fill the basin with cold water first, then add warm water to about 1/3 of the tub's level. Mix well and test the temperature with your forearm; it should be comfortably warm.
    Prepare the Bath

  2. Prepare Your Baby

    • Place your baby on a bath towel and gently remove their vest. Talk to your baby to reassure them. Leave their diaper on and wrap them in the towel, keeping hands and feet covered.
    Prepare your baby: Place your baby on a bath towel and gently remove their vest. Talk to your baby to reassure them. Leave their diaper on and wrap them in the towel, keeping hands and feet covered.
    Prepare Your Baby

  3. Clean Eyes

    • Dip a cotton ball in cool boiled water, squeeze out excess, and gently wipe each eye from the inner to outer corner using a new cotton ball for each eye.
    Clean eyes: Dip a cotton ball in cool boiled water, squeeze out excess, and gently wipe each eye from the inner to outer corner using a new cotton ball for each eye.
    Clean Eyes

  4. Clean Face

    • Wash your baby's face using cold boiled water and a face cloth or cotton balls, wiping from the center outwards.
    Clean face: Wash your baby's face using cold boiled water and a face cloth or cotton balls, wiping from the center outwards.
    Clean Face

  5. Wash Hair

    • Support your baby in a football hold, tilting their head back slightly. Wash their hair and gently dry with a towel.

  6. Clean Diaper Area

    • If soiled, clean the diaper area with wet wipes. Wash hands afterward.
    Clean diaper area: If soiled, clean the diaper area with wet wipes. Wash hands afterward.
    Clean Diaper Area

  7. Bathe Baby's Body

    • Support your baby in the tub, keeping their head above water. Wash their front and private area, then turn them to wash their back.

  8. Dry and Dress Baby

    • Lift your baby out of the water, pat them dry, paying attention to skin folds. Clean the umbilical cord area.
    • Dress your baby in comfortable clothes appropriate for the environment. Apply baby lotion if desired (powder is not encouraged).
    Dress baby: Dress your baby in comfortable clothes appropriate for the environment. Apply baby lotion if desired (powder is not encouraged).Dress baby: Dress your baby in comfortable clothes appropriate for the environment. Apply baby lotion if desired (powder is not encouraged).
    Dry and Dress Baby

  9. Clean Umbilical Cord

    • Wash hands. Use cotton balls dipped in cool boiled water to clean the base of the cord with one circular motion, then clean the sides from base upwards using a new cotton ball each time. Clean the cord clamp and tip.
    Clean umbilical cord: Wash hands. Use cotton balls dipped in cool boiled water to clean the base of the cord with one circular motion, then clean the sides from base upwards using a new cotton ball each time. Clean the cord clamp and tip.
    Clean Umbilical Cord

Read more: Ultimate Guide: Cleaning and Sterilizing Baby Feeding Bottles

Tips

  • Never leave your baby unattended during bath time.
  • Bathe your baby before a feed to avoid spitting up.
  • Most babies find warm water soothing.
  • If you are new to baby bathing, ask your spouse for help.
  • Talk to your baby during bath time to keep them calm and reassured.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Water Temperature Too Hot or Too Cold

Reason: Incorrect water temperature can cause discomfort or even harm to the baby's sensitive skin.
Solution: Always test the water with your elbow before placing the baby in the bath.

2. Leaving Baby Unattended in the Bath

Reason: Even for a moment, leaving a baby unattended in the bath is extremely dangerous and could lead to drowning.
Solution: Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a second.

FAQs

How often should I bathe my newborn?
Newborns don't need daily baths. 2-3 times a week is usually sufficient. Over-bathing can dry out their skin. Focus on cleaning their face, neck, and diaper area daily.
What's the best water temperature for bathing my newborn?
The water should be lukewarm, around 98-100°F (37-38°C). Test the water with your elbow before placing your baby in the bath. It should feel comfortably warm, not hot.