A step-by-step guide to bathing your newborn

Worried about bathing your newborn for the first time? Just read this article, with clear, step-by-step instructions, cute illustrations and important safety tips.

Bringing your newborn home and getting used to a brand new set of routines to look after him may be a bit daunting, especially if you are a first-time mum. Bathing your little one is one such routine.

You might be anxious about how you should hold your baby in a tub full of water, or wondering just how warm the water should be. Should you bathe your newborn the day you bring him home or should you wait? And what about safety when it comes to bathing your infant?

This gallery provides you with the answers to these and more, using cute illustrations that show you exactly how to bathe your newborn, as well as clear instructions.

But before you start reading any further, do note that you should wait until your little one’s umbilical stump falls off before you bathe him in a bathtub. Until then, sponge baths will do just fine.

Before we get started on the seven steps of bathing your precious angel, please familiarise yourself with some important safety tips on the next slide.

Click 'Start Gallery' now.

Safety tips to keep in mind

Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a moment. A baby can drown in just one inch of water and it takes less than a minute for this to happen. Likewise, never keep your baby in the care of another child, while in the bathtub. Empty the tub completely and immediately after each use. Learn infant CPR. If you have a helper who will also be taking care of your child, enrol her in a first aid course for babies/children too. Also teach her how to bathe your baby, including how to support his neck and be aware of his ‘soft spots’ while washing his scalp. Turn your mobile phone off during bathtime to avoid distractions. If your doorbell rings and you feel you must answer it, wrap your baby in a towel and take him with you. Never use a bath seat. These can tip over if the suction cups lose their grip, toppling your baby head first into the water. Instead, pick a bathtub with a built-in sling or contoured design. Place a rubber, non-skid mat under the bathtub, which should be placed on a flat, firm surface.

Head to the next slide to start reading about how to bathe your newborn.

Step 1: Gather your bath essentials

The last thing you want mid-bath is to realise that your baby’s wash-cloth is still on the clothes line outside.

In order to avoid moments like this, ensure you first collect all the bath items you need (including mild bath-wash, a cup, a few clean washcloths, and another cup with clean water) and place them in an easy-to-reach spot.

Don’t forget to also lay out your little one’s diaper, clothes and baby lotion (if you use one) prior to starting the bath. Place a hooded towel in an easily reachable spot too.

Tip: Ensure the room you bathe your little one in is not too cold in order to avoid chills.

Step 2: Prepare the bath tub

Fill the bathtub with only about three inches of water. The water should be not too hot and not too cold when touched with your inner wrist. The ideal temperature is around 32 degrees Celsius.

Tip: If you are placing your baby’s tub in the bathtub or a sink, cover the tap with a faucet cover so you don’t accidentally knock your little one’s head against it.

Step 3: Bring baby to tub

Undress your little one and bring him to the bath tub. Gently immerse him in the water starting with his feet, while firmly supporting his head with your hand at the back of his neck.

Tip: Some little ones cry and wail their way through their first few baths. Don’t get too upset by this as it is normal. But don’t prolong the bath for longer than needed, too. Soon, both of you will be pros (at bathing, and being bathed!).

Step 4: Start the bath

Cradle your baby’s head and neck with one hand while using the other one to wash him. Gently pour cupfuls of water over his body, and with your hand, gradually wet his scalp.

Tips: Your infant doesn’t need a bath every day, as long as you clean his diaper area, face, neck and hands daily.

While some little ones find a morning bath stimulating, others are soothed by the water and therefore, a bath before bedtime can help these little ones drift off faster.

Step 5: Lather

Pour a few drops of baby-wash onto the washcloth and start cleansing your baby’s skin. Wash him from top to bottom, front, then back. Start with his head. You can use your hand or a washcloth to do this.

Then, using another clean, damp washcloth, gently clean your baby’s face, paying attention to the corners of his eyes and behind his ears (use a clean ball of cotton wool to gently clean his eyes, if there is crusty build-up).

Move on down to the rest of his body. Don’t forget to gently part the folds of skin (creases) on his legs, arms and neck and clean there too, especially after any remaining vernix disappears.

For information on how to clean a baby girl’s genitals, read this article, and this article to learn about cleaning your baby boy’s private parts.

Next, gently flip your little one over, supporting his head above the water, and clean his back and bum.

Tips:When choosing a baby-wash for your little one, pick one that doesn’t contain harsh additives, including preservatives, perfumes and dyes. All these could irritate your baby’s skin. If your baby has cradle-cap, use a soft-bristled brush to gently loosen and remove the flakes of skin from his scalp while it is still wet.

Step 6: Rinse

Cleanse your baby’s skin with a few cups of clean, warm water, wiping him down with a clean washcloth.

Then, very carefully, lift your baby out of the tub. Keep one hand supporting his neck and head and the other under his bottom, wrapping your fingers around one thigh. Remember, wet babies can be slippery!

If possible, have another adult wrap your baby in a dry, hooded towel. Otherwise, have the towel already spread out on the bed or change table and quickly wrap your baby in it.

Tip:Always choose soft, cotton towels to dry your baby with. A square hooded towel is easier to wrap around your baby’s body than a rectangular one.

Step 7: Dry and dress

Gently and quickly pat your baby dry. If you have a little boy, place him on the diaper and without fastening it, be prepared to quickly place the top flap over his genital should he pee while you dry him.

Avoid rubbing your baby’s skin as this could cause irritation. Pay attention to those adorable creases, patting the skin in-between them dry. Gently pat his scalp and hair dry with the towel. Then, if you prefer to, use a gentle moisturiser on his skin.

Next, dress him in the diaper and clothes and inhale that sweet fragrance called "Freshly Bathed Newborn!"