An infant doesn’t need much bathing if you wash the diaper area thoroughly during diaper changes. During her first week or two, until the stump of her umbilical cord falls off and the navel heals over, your newborn should have only sponge baths. Then, a bath two or three times a week in the first year is sufficient. More bathing may dry out her skin.

Sponge Baths

Before you bring your baby to the bathing area for a sponge bath, gather together a clean washcloth, mild baby soap, one or two towels or blankets, and a basin of warm water. To test the water temperature, stick your elbow in it; it should feel warm, not hot or cold.

Pick a warm room and any surface that’s flat and comfortable for you both, such as a changing table, floor, or counter next to the sink. If the surface is hard, lay down a towel or blanket. If your baby is not on the floor, use a safety strap or keep one hand on her at all times to make sure she doesn’t fall.

Undress your baby and wrap her in a towel. Keep her wrapped in a towel, exposing only the part of her body you are washing at the moment. First, wash her face with a dampened washcloth without soap. Then wet the cloth again and wash the rest of her body. Pay special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, and around the neck and the genital area. Once you have washed those areas, make sure they are dry.

Tub Baths

Once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the navel has healed, you can try placing your baby directly in the water. Her first baths should be gentle and brief. If she seems miserable, go back to sponge baths for a week or two, then try the tub bath again. Many parents like bathing their newborn in a special baby tub the sink, or a plastic tub lined with a clean towel. Whatever type of tub you use,before you put your baby in, add two inches of warm water, testing it with your elbow. If you’re filling the basin from the tap, turn the cold water on first and off last to avoid scalding the baby or yourself. Make sure your hot water heater is set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Have your supplies on hand and the room warm before you bring in your baby. You will need a clean washcloth, mild baby soap, and one or two towels, plus a cup for rinsing with clean water. If your baby has hair, you may want to have baby shampoo, too.

Once you’ve undressed your baby, place her in the water right away so she doesn’t get chilled. Use one of your hands to support her head and the other to guide her in, feet first. Talk gently to her, and slowly lower the rest of her body until she’s in the tub. Most of her body and face should be well above the water level for safety, so you’ll need to pour warm water over her body frequently to keep her warm.

Use a soft cloth to wash her face and hair, shampooing once or twice a week. Massage her scalp gently, including the area over her fontanels (soft spots); don’t worry, this won’t hurt her. When you rinse the soap or shampoo from her head, cup your hand across her forehead so the suds run toward the sides, not into her eyes. If you do get soap in her eyes, take the wet washcloth and wipe her eyes with lots of lukewarm water until the suds are gone and she will open her eyes again. When your baby comes out of the bath, wrap her in a towel, making sure her head is covered. Baby towels with hoods are handy for this move.

If you have forgotten something or need to answer the phone or door during the bath, take the baby with you. Never leave your baby alone in a bath.