First time parents might be glad to learn that newborns do not require daily bathing. A light bath two or three times a week will do just fine. It is wise, however, to clean areas like the face, hands, neck, and diaper area with a warm wash cloth. Even older babies’ baths can be limited to two or three times a week without any problems at all. Some babies will take to the water right away, while others may need a bit more work to enjoy bath time.

Bathing can be done any time that’s convenient to you, but a lot of parents find that a nice, warm, relaxing bath is an integral part of their bedtime routine. Babies do tend to become more relaxed after a bath and usually will sleep a little better after one. Bathing right after a feeding is not recommended and neither is trying to bathe a hungry baby. A baby that has just been fed will be more likely to spit up while being handled so much. Before beginning the bath, be sure that you will have plenty of uninterrupted time so that you will not be tempted to leave baby alone in the bath. You should always, always, always be within arms length of your baby.

Bathing can be done in any room of the house if you will be using an infant tub, however, the kitchen or the bathroom are the usual choices. The infant tub can be easily placed right inside your regular tub or shower or it can be placed (only if it fits securely) inside the kitchen sink. It cannot be repeated enough times that your baby should never be left alone in or near water. The room you choose should be warm and free of any drafts caused by air conditioners or fans. The perfect temperature range for the room would be between 75 and 80 degrees.

If baby still has his or her umbilical cord or if your baby has just been circumcised, a tub bath will be off limits until the sites are healed and the umbilical stump has fallen off. A sponge bath will do nicely until such time. A waterproof pad or a thick towel placed on your baby’s diaper changing table or in the crib will provide a good place for the sponge bath. Gather all of your supplies before beginning the sponge bath. You’ll need baby soap and baby shampoo, two wash cloths, warm water, a towel, a clean diaper & clothes, q-tips and rubbing alcohol (for cleaning the umbilical cord area), and Vaseline & gauze if you need to dress a circumcision.

To begin, undress your baby including the diaper. You may want to use a lightweight receiving blanket to keep baby somewhat covered during bath time. Begin by washing the face and work your way down to the toes. Just use a very small amount of soap on one of the wash cloths and then use the other wash cloth to clean the soap off. To get to baby’s back just roll him carefully onto one side. Always wash a girl’s diaper area from front to back. Washing your baby’s hair can either be done during this time or you could try to tackle that on the counter of the kitchen sink. After the bath, dry baby with the towel and diaper and dress as usual.

If baby is ready for a tub bath, you will again gather all of your supplies before the bath. Fill the infant tub with warm water. Always test the temperature of the water on the inner part of your wrist and gentle and gradually slide baby in feet first always supporting the head. Infant tubs with a slightly reclining position are best. Again, start with the cleanest part of the baby, such as the face and work your way down. Rinse baby thoroughly and wrap baby in a towel. Pat him or her dry and dress as usual.