Bathing your newborn

Bathing a newborn

Babies only need a bath 2 to 3 times a week, but if your baby enjoys it, you can do it every day. Follow our easy guide to giving your baby a bath.

What you need

• soft wash cloth
• mild baby wash or soap
• towel
• clean nappy
• clean clothes
• cotton wool balls

Fill a bath tub to around 10 to 13 cm. The temperature should be 37-38 degrees. Use a thermometer or your wrist to test.

Steps

1. Lower your baby into the bath. Support their head on your arm with your hand holding your baby's upper arm. Use your other arm to support their body. This is the arm you will use to wash your baby.
2. Gently splash water onto your baby's head. They don't need shampoo until they are older.
3. Wash their face first, then their neck and body and lastly clean their genitals and bottom. You can use baby wash or soap on their skin and hair, and pay particular attention to their skin folds.
4. Have a towel laid out ready to dry your baby.
1. To clean their eyes, use a damp cotton wool ball, starting from the inner eye. Use a fresh cotton ball for each eye.

Never leave your baby alone in the bath or on the change table.

You can call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436.