Baby's first bath: when, why to wait, and how

Bathing a newborn immediately after birth used to be standard practice. The evidence now points in the opposite direction. The World Health Organization recommends waiting at least 24 hours before the first bath — ideally 48 hours — and the reasons are based on what that white waxy coating your baby is born with actually does.¹

Why to wait before the first bath

The white substance covering a newborn at birth is called vernix caseosa. It is not a mess to clean off — it is a functional coating that:

• Acts as a barrier against bacteria and infection (vernix has demonstrated antimicrobial properties)¹²
• Helps with temperature regulation in the critical hours after birth
• Keeps skin moisturised as the baby's skin adjusts to the outside environment
• May reduce skin irritation and trans-epidermal water loss in the newborn period

Bathing too soon also increases the risk of hypothermia. Newborns cannot regulate their own temperature reliably in the first hours, and a wet baby in any environment loses heat quickly.¹

The WHO's guidance is clear: delay the first bath for at least 24 hours after birth, preferably 48 hours, unless there is a clinical reason to wash the baby sooner (such as significant blood or meconium contamination).¹ Many hospital wards now follow this guideline as standard practice.

If the birth team wipes the baby down and leaves vernix in place, that is deliberate and correct. You do not need to add to it or wash it off at home.

Sponge baths until the cord stump falls off

Until the umbilical cord stump dries and falls off — typically at 1–3 weeks of age — avoid submerging your baby in water. The stump needs to stay dry to prevent infection and to allow it to separate cleanly.²³

During this period, use sponge baths (also called "topping and tailing"):

1. Have everything ready before you start: warm water in a bowl, a soft cloth or cotton wool, a clean nappy, clean clothes.
2. Undress your baby one area at a time to minimise heat loss. Room temperature matters — a cool room makes sponge baths miserable.
3. Clean the face first (eyes from inner corner outward, using a separate piece of cotton for each eye), then neck folds, underarms, hands, nappy area, and feet. The genital area is cleaned front to back.
4. Pat dry rather than rubbing — newborn skin is delicate.
5. Keep the cord stump dry. If it gets wet, pat gently dry with clean gauze or a soft cloth.

Moving to tub baths

Once the cord stump has completely fallen off and the navel has healed, you can begin full tub baths. A small baby bath, a plastic tub in the kitchen sink, or a padded newborn insert in the main bath all work.

Water temperature

Test the bath water before placing your baby in it. Target temperature is 37–38°C — the same as body temperature, warm but not hot.²³ Use a bath thermometer or test with the inside of your elbow (which is more temperature-sensitive than your hand). The water should feel warm, not hot. Always add cold water first, then hot, to avoid scalding the bottom of the basin.

Water depth

A few centimetres of water is enough — there is no need for the water to come above the baby's waist when supported.

Support and grip

Wet babies are slippery. Maintain a firm grip throughout, supporting the head and neck with one hand and the body with the other. Baby baths with a moulded insert help with positioning. Never let go to reach for something — have everything within arm's reach before you put them in the water.

How often to bathe

Daily baths are not necessary for newborns and can dry out sensitive skin. Two to three baths per week is enough for most babies.² Between baths, clean the face, neck folds, hands, and nappy area as needed.

If your baby has dry or sensitive skin, avoid bath products in the first month. Plain water is sufficient. If you do introduce a wash product later, use a mild, unfragranced one formulated for baby skin.

Umbilical cord care

For detailed guidance on keeping the cord stump clean and dry, and what normal versus abnormal healing looks like, see umbilical cord care.

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Also in this cluster: Umbilical cord care · The first two weeks

Sources

1. World Health Organization. "WHO Recommendations on Newborn Health: Guidelines Approved by the WHO Guidelines Review Committee." WHO, 2017. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549943
2. NHS. "Washing and Bathing Your Baby." NHS, 2024. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/washing-and-bathing-your-baby/
3. American Academy of Pediatrics. "Bathing Your Newborn." HealthyChildren.org, 2024. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Bathing-Your-Newborn.aspx