Baby's First Bath: A Gentle, Step-by-Step Guide
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Short answer: for a newborn's first bath, keep the water shallow and warm (around 37°C / 98.6°F), gather everything within arm's reach first, support the head and neck the whole time, keep it short (5–10 minutes), and never leave your baby alone in or near water, not even for a second. A warm towel ready before you start makes the finish calm instead of shivery.
The first bath is nerve-wracking for every parent — slippery baby, no idea what you're doing. It gets easy fast. Here's the calm version.
When can I give my newborn their first bath?
Follow your midwife or health authority's guidance — many suggest waiting a few days and keeping early baths brief, and topping-and-tailing (a gentle wipe-down) in between. Until the umbilical stump falls off and heals, keep that area dry and follow the advice you were given at discharge.
What do I need before I start?
Set everything out first — once baby's in the water, both your hands are busy.
- A baby bath or clean basin with a few inches of warm water
- Two soft washcloths and cotton wool
- A fragrance-free baby wash (optional for a newborn — plain water is fine early on)
- A warm hooded towel laid open and ready — the hood keeps heat in the moment they're out; a larger wrap towel works well for swaddling them dry
- A clean nappy and clothes laid out
- Your grooming kit nearby for a gentle brush or nail check afterward
The step-by-step
- Check the water. Warm, not hot — around 37°C. Test with your elbow or the inside of your wrist; it should feel neutral. Use only a few inches of water.
- Lower gently, feet first, supporting the head and neck with your forearm and hand the entire time.
- Wash from clean to less-clean: face and eyes first with plain water and cotton wool (a fresh piece per eye), then hair, then body, saving the nappy area for last.
- Keep them warm. Cup water over the body so they don't get cold; keep it short.
- Lift out onto the open hooded towel, wrap immediately, and pat dry — especially the skin folds.
- Dress in a warm room and have a cuddle. A calm finish teaches them baths are safe and cosy.
The one rule that never bends: never leave a baby alone in or near bath water, even for a moment, even in very little water. If you must step away, take the baby with you. Let the phone ring.
How often should I bathe a newborn?
Newborns don't get very dirty. Two or three baths a week is plenty; daily bathing can dry their skin. Top-and-tail (face, hands, nappy area) on the in-between days keeps them fresh without over-washing.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should baby bath water be?
Around body temperature — 37°C / 98.6°F. It should feel warm but neutral on your wrist or elbow, never hot. Always test the water before lowering your baby in, and keep the water shallow.
How often should I bathe my newborn?
Two to three times a week is enough for most newborns. Bathing every day can dry their skin. Between baths, gently clean the face, hands and nappy area — "top and tail."
Should I use soap on a newborn?
Plain water is fine for the first weeks. If you use a wash, choose a fragrance-free, baby-specific one and use very little. Ask your health visitor or pediatrician if your baby has sensitive or dry skin.
Written by the founder of Baby Zaza — a parent of one, and the person who tests everything in the shop. This is general guidance, not medical advice — follow your midwife, health visitor or pediatrician. Browse gentle bath-time pieces in Splash & Play.