A newborn is delicate and requires gentle care, especially during bath time. This step-by-step guide helps Singaporean parents like you know how to bathe a newborn correctly so that you can enjoy this valuable experience and create memorable bonding moments with your baby.
When Should You First Bathe a Newborn?
Early newborn bathing refers to bathing a baby within 24 hours of delivery. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying the first bath until at least 24 hours after birth, or if not possible, for a minimum of 6 hours[1].
There are different reasons why parents should delay the first bath for their newborn:
- Maintain baby’s moisture retention: Delaying the first bath helps preserve the baby’s body temperature and maintain moisture levels. It improves moisture retention, supporting better skin integrity and healthy skin development.
- Enhance bonding between parents and baby: The delay provides valuable time for skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. This practice not only strengthens emotional bonding but also promotes breastfeeding success. It helps stabilize the baby’s body temperature and supports healthy blood glucose levels in newborns.
- Prevent other risks: Bathing a newborn too early increases the likelihood of hypothermia (low body temperature), respiratory complications, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)[2]. Delaying the first bath helps avoid these risks, ensuring the baby’s health and stability during the critical early hours of life.
Step 1: Preparation
When giving your newborn their first bath, it’s essential to create a warm and safe environment. Babies can lose body heat quickly, so ensure the room is comfortably warm. Ensure your hands are clean with soap and water before handling the baby.
Baby bath support supplies that you need to prepare in advance include the following:
| Item | How to Prepare | What It’s For |
| Baby bathtub or basin | Use a hard plastic baby bathtub with a sloped, textured surface or sling to prevent slipping. Otherwise, parents can use a plastic tub lined with a clean towel or a sink (with extra caution). | Provide a safe and secure space for bathing your newborn. |
| Lukewarm water | Set your water heater to around 38°C and keep the temperature below 49°C to ensure a safe and comfortable bath for your baby[3]. Test the bathwater by dipping your elbow into it—the water should feel the same as your body temperature. Mix the water thoroughly to eliminate any hot spots that could harm your baby. | Create a warm and safe environment for your baby. |
| Baby shampoo and body wash/ soap | Use a gentle, hypoallergenic product designed for newborns with sensitive skin. | Reduce the risk of allergic reactions, rashes, or skin irritation. |
| 2 towels | One towel to wrap the baby after undressing, and another to dry them thoroughly after the bath. | Keep the baby warm and dry during and after the bath. |
| Cotton balls | Use fresh cotton balls to gently clean delicate areas like the eyes, ears, nose, and genitals. Always use a new cotton ball for each part of the face. | Ensure gentle and hygienic cleaning of sensitive areas. |
| Clean diapers and clothes | Have a clean diaper and clothes ready to dress your baby after the bath. | Keep the baby comfortable and warm post-bath. |
Step 2: Cleaning Before Bath
Before placing your newborn in the bath, be sure to clean certain areas gently to maintain good hygiene and prevent irritation.
Eyes
Start by dipping a cotton ball in cooled boiled water and squeezing out any excess. Using a fresh cotton ball for each eye, gently wipe from the inner corner outward.
Avoid reusing the same piece to prevent the spreading of bacteria.
Consult a doctor if you notice any sticky or yellowish discharge.
Face
Use a soft face cloth or cotton balls dipped in cooled boiled water to clean your baby’s face. Wipe gently from the center outward, covering the forehead, nose, cheeks, and mouth area. This move helps remove any milk residue, sweat, or dirt that may have accumulated.
Hair
Hold your baby in a football hold to support their head and neck. Tilt the head slightly backward over a basin, then gently rinse the hair with warm water.
After washing, dry their hair carefully with a soft towel.
Nails
Newborns often have long, delicate fingernails and toenails that can be sharp. To prevent self-scratching, use mittens and booties. Avoid trimming the nails during the first few weeks while they are still soft. Once they harden, use baby nail clippers or scissors, ideally while your baby is sleeping, and consider having another adult assist you.
Diaper Area (If Soiled)
If your baby’s diaper is soiled, unwrap them and clean the area using baby wipes or a damp washcloth. Be gentle, especially around skin folds. Once clean, wash your hands thoroughly before proceeding with the bath.
These simple steps keep your newborn fresh and comfortable while ensuring their delicate skin stays clean and healthy.
Step 3: Bathing the Baby
There are two common bathing options for newborns: a sponge bath or a tub bath. It’s important to stick to sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off and heals completely, which typically takes 10 days of life[4]. This helps prevent infection and ensures proper healing.
1. Sponge Bath
A sponge bath is a gentle way to clean your little one without submerging them in water. Instead of using a tub, your baby lies on a towel while you wash and rinse one section of their body at a time.
How can I give a sponge bath to my newborn? Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Undress your baby and lay them on their back on a towel. Use a second towel to cover them for warmth.
- Step 2: Dip two cotton balls in water. Gently wipe each eye from the nose outward, using a fresh cotton ball for each eye.
- Step 3: Dip a washcloth in water and wipe your baby’s face and ears. Pay extra attention to the creases behind the ears, where dried milk from spit-ups may collect.
- Step 4: Add a few drops of mild baby shampoo and body wash or soap to the washcloth. Gently clean your baby’s scalp and neck, then pat dry.
For bath time and after-bath routines, parents can browse the baby bath and skincare range for gentle washes, oils, and moisturising essentials.
After your baby’s umbilical cord falls off, consider using a mild baby shampoo like Little Étoile Head to Toe Wash with 99% naturally derived ingredients. Our safety-tested milk wash gently cleanses, protects, and nourishes newborns’ delicate hair and skin.
- Step 5: Uncover one limb at a time and clean with the washcloth. Focus on creases under the arms, the diaper area, and between fingers and toes.
- Step 6: Use a second washcloth dipped in clean water to rinse off the soap, uncovering one limb at a time.
- Step 7: Keep the umbilical cord area clean and dry. If you notice dried blood or secretions, gently wipe with a damp washcloth and pat dry.
- Step 8: Use the towel your baby is lying on to gently pat them dry.
2. Tub Bath
- Step 1: Support your baby’s shoulders with one hand, hooking your fingers under their armpit for a secure grip. Slide your other hand under their bottom and gently lift them into the tub.
- Step 2: Keep your baby’s head above the water while supporting their shoulders.
- Step 3: Use a soft washcloth to clean their front and private areas.
- Step 4: Switch hands to support their armpit and let them lean forward over your arm.
- Step 5: Gently wash their back and bottom.
- Step 6: Lift your baby out of the water using the same secure grip as before.
- Step 7: Place them on a towel and pat them dry.
- Step 8: Pay extra attention to drying skin folds behind the ears, between fingers and toes, under the armpits, and in the diaper area.
When switching to a tub bath, you might prefer a sudsier shampoo. Then, try our Little Étoile’s Head to Toe Bubbly Wash. Made with six coconut-based cleansing ingredients, it moisturizes while washing, keeping your little one’s skin soft and hydrated.
Watch the video below for a step-by-step visual guide on how to bathe a newborn:
Step 4: Post-Bath Care
After drying your baby, choose soft, breathable clothing that is appropriate for the temperature. Avoid overdressing, as babies cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults. A general rule is to dress your baby in one more layer than what you are comfortable wearing.
If your baby’s skin feels dry, you can apply a mild baby lotion to help lock in moisture. However, avoid using baby powder, as it can be easily inhaled and may cause respiratory issues.
One more tip for our Singaporean parents is that bath time is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby. Gently talk, sing with them, or give them a head massage while dressing to create a sense of comfort and security. Skin-to-skin contact can also help soothe your baby
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FAQs
When can I start washing my newborn’s hair?
You can wash your newborn’s hair right after birth[3], but during the first few weeks, it’s recommended to use only plain water and a soft washcloth to gently clean their scalp until the umbilical cord falls off.
When should I bathe my newborn routine?
There’s no need to give your newborn baby a bath every day. Three times a week might be enough until your baby becomes more mobile. Bathing your baby too much can dry out your baby’s skin.
Reference
- Caring for a newborn. (2022). Who.int. https://www.who.int/tools/your-life-your-health/life-phase/newborns-and-children-under-5-years/caring-for-newborns
- Eyeberu, A., Getachew, T., Kebad, A., & Debella, A. (2024). Early newborn bathing practice and its determinants among postpartum women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-06280-x
- Baby Maintenance: Baths, Nails, and Hair. (2023). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baths-hair-and-nails
- Care of the newborn. (2021). Healthhub.sg. https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/pregnancy-care-of-the-newborn
This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose health conditions or make changes to medical treatments. Always consult with your healthcare professional for advice.
