A Guide For Bathing Your Baby

How often should I bathe my baby? What kind of products are safe? How warm should the water be? Babies have sensitive skin and unique temperature needs, so a few small choices can make bath time more comfortable and supportive.

In this article you’ll learn how often to bathe your baby, how to keep your baby warm and calm, what products to choose, and more.

In the first days after birth, it’s generally best to delay the first bath. Vernix (the white, creamy coating babies are born with) protects the skin barrier, supports hydration, and helps regulate temperature. Allowing it to absorb for at least 24 hours (and ideally closer to 48 hours) supports your baby's skin microbiome, helping it develop the foundation for optimal barrier function and long term skin health.

Until the umbilical stump falls off, it is generally advised to avoid bathing or stick to gentle sponge baths rather than full immersion. Keeping the stump clean and dry helps it separate naturally and reduces irritation or infection risk. Once the stump has fallen off and the area is fully healed, you can transition to regular tub baths.

Infants don’t need daily baths. Two or three baths per week are usually enough, with simple wipe-downs after feeds or diaper changes as needed. Too much washing can dry or irritate their developing skin.

The exception is the baby who genuinely loves the water or finds baths calming. In those cases, more frequent baths can be fine as long as the skin is not irritated. If you are bathing frequently, it is especially important to moisturize afterward and use minimal gentle soap.

To learn more about vernix, read this article: All About Vernix: Should It Be Washed Off?

A baby’s skin is more sensitive than an adult’s. Over-bathing, using fragranced products, or cleansing with strong detergents can disrupt the delicate skin barrier. A gentler bathing rhythm helps maintain hydration, minimize irritation, and support overall skin health, especially for babies prone to dryness or eczema.

Most babies don’t need soap for every bath. Many do beautifully with just warm water. When you do use a cleanser, make sure it’s gentle, fragrance-free, and designed for sensitive skin.

After bathing, locking in hydration matters. A clean-ingredient lotion or oil helps protect the skin barrier and prevents dryness.

In fact, clinical trials have found that moisturizing from early infancy may lower the chance of developing eczema (1). Not every study agrees, but the overall trend supports the idea that early barrier support helps many babies - especially in dry climates or families with eczema history.

Babies lose heat quickly, so warm, not hot, water is key. Aim for around 37°C / 98.5°F (close to body temperature). Dip the inside of your wrist or forearm in; it should feel comfortably warm. If your baby seems uncomfortable when you lower them into the water, trust their cues and remove them from the water. Never leave your baby in the bath unattended. 

Some babies seem to love bath time, while others may fuss. Here are some tips to help make bath time as baby friendly as possible:

A warm room helps babies stay comfortable and prevents heat loss. Turning on the shower for a minute or two to warm the air or using a safe space heater (placed far from water) can make bath time easier for sensitive babies.

Dim lights or a salt lamp keep the environment soothing and help avoid overstimulation, especially in the evening when you want your baby to wind down.

Swaddle bathing can make newborns feel more secure, especially if they’re startled by traditional baths. Wrap your baby loosely in a swaddle blanket, then slowly lower them into the warm water. Uncover one limb at a time as you wash. This technique can reduce crying, stress, and temperature fluctuations.

Bathing with your baby can be incredibly bonding. Your warmth, heartbeat, and touch help regulate your baby’s nervous system. If you choose to co-bathe, always have another adult present for safety (especially while entering and exiting the tub), and keep water levels low.

You might like this article, too: Co-Sleeping 101: Benefits, Risk Factors, & Safety Guidelines

Gather everything you need before starting (towels, washcloths, clean diaper, clothes, gentle body wash, lotion) so you never have to step away.

When lowering your baby into the bath, always support your baby’s head and neck and be sure that the temperature is comfortably warm but not too hot.

Use a soft washcloth with your preferred gentle baby wash to clean your baby’s body, then rinse away any soap residue. When it’s time to take your little one out of the tub, wrap them right away in a warm towel to keep them comfortable and prevent heat loss.

Once your baby is toweled off, apply a gentle baby-safe moisturizer right away to help lock in hydration and support their skin barrier and then dress your little one.

Warm water naturally lowers cortisol and can help babies ease toward rest. For many little ones, even a short five-minute bath with dim lights and calm voices signals that nighttime is coming. But for some babies, bath time can be too stimulating when it’s close to bedtime. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and adjust your routine based on what helps them settle best.

You might like this article, too: How To Manage Sleepless Nights As A Parent: Science-Backed Strategies For Surviving Sleep Deprivation

When you bathe your baby, it’s important to care for their skin barrier carefully and keep them comfortable. Delaying the first bath allows vernix to do its protective work, and sponge baths are typically best until the umbilical stump falls off. After that, most babies only need a few gentle baths each week, using warm water and mild, fragrance-free products. Moisturizing right after the bath helps lock in hydration and supports healthy skin.