Baby's first bath

Bathing a slippery newborn for the first time can feel nerve-racking — they seem so tiny and fragile. The good news is that newborns don’t need many baths, and once you’ve done a couple it quickly becomes a lovely little ritual. Here’s how to make that first one calm and safe.

No rush to bath at all. Newborns don’t get very dirty, so a bath just two or three times a week is plenty in the early weeks — over-bathing can dry out their delicate skin. In between, “top and tailing” (washing the face, neck, hands and nappy area with cotton wool or a soft cloth and warm water) keeps them fresh. There’s also no hurry to bath in the first day or two; the vernix on their skin is protective.

Get everything ready first. Once your baby is in the water you can’t leave, so set up before you start: a baby bath or clean basin, warm water, a towel, a fresh nappy and clothes, and any cotton wool. Warm the room so they don’t get cold. Getting organised is half the job.

Check the water. The water should be warm, not hot — around body temperature. Test it with your elbow or wrist, or a bath thermometer (about 37°C). Only run a shallow bath, just enough to wash them; you don’t need deep water for a newborn.

Hold them securely. Support your baby’s head and shoulders with one arm, using that hand to hold under their far armpit, so their head stays above water and they feel held. Lower them in gently, feet first. Use your other hand to wash. A confident, secure hold helps them feel safe (and helps you relax too).

Keep it simple and gentle. Plain water is genuinely fine for a newborn; if you use anything, choose a mild, fragrance-free baby wash. Wash the cleanest parts first and the nappy area last, and there’s no need to scrub — a gentle wipe is enough. Talk or sing softly; your voice is soothing.

Never leave them alone. Not for a second, not even with an older sibling watching, and not for the phone or the door — babies can drown in a very small amount of water, silently and fast. If you must step away, take your baby with you, wrapped in a towel.

Warm and dry afterwards. Lift them out onto a towel and wrap them up straight away, since babies lose heat quickly. Pat them dry, paying attention to the folds of skin, and dry the cord stump area well if it’s still there. A little cuddle in the towel is the perfect end.

Some babies love the water and some protest loudly at first — both are normal, and most come around with time. Keep it short, warm and unhurried, and before long bath time becomes a gentle wind-down you both enjoy. When in doubt about skin or anything else, your child health nurse is a great person to ask.