Having a newborn is an overwhelming time in any parent’s life, as you’re constantly juggling your time. Whether you stick to a schedule or not, we’re all making sure our new baby is fed enough, played with enough, changed enough, and bathed enough. Even second-, third-, and fourth-time parents may struggle with a bath time routine at the early stages. And while bathtime can be fun, it may also be a time of extreme stress, especially if your baby doesn’t enjoy it. Parents can be filled with worry about their newborn being in the water. Your newborn may feel the same — spending the entire time screaming. Other babies may love the bath but have a skin sensitivity. This can make it more difficult to find the right soap and skin routine.
No matter the situation, bath time is still a time crunch. Getting the supplies together, ensuring the water temperature is perfect, bathing your baby, drying them, putting on any creams/ointments, and clothing your little one is a huge process! And you won’t always have the energy for it. Plus, you may not be showering more than once a week yourself during the newer days. Bathing your newborn is probably not always top of mind! To help you out, we’ll explain when you really need to bathe your baby and offer tips on how to do it properly (so you can make bathtime more efficient!).
How Often Should I Bathe My Baby?
No matter the reason, the good news is that you don’t need to bathe your baby daily. According to the Mayo Clinic, parents only need to bathe their babies up to three times a week.1 Yes, just three (or less). Bathing your baby more often can lead to dry skin and discomfort and is usually unnecessary.1,3
If three days a week makes you pause, think of it this way: you’re constantly cleaning your baby. Every diaper change, every spit-up, and every time you wipe their hands and face after mealtime counts as cleaning your baby. When children are young, their face, diaper area, and neck are the most important parts to clean.1 If you think about the time you spend wiping down your baby during the day, those parts are often the ones we want to pay attention to most.
But you don’t need to stick to three days a week. If you swear your baby only falls asleep at night after a warm bath, and their skin isn’t dry, give them that bath every night! If you enjoy this calming activity with your 6-month-old (and it helps fill your day), get them in the tub as much as you please. Similarly, if your child has been in a pool, in excessive dirt or mud, or near anyone with a cold, you may also want to add an extra bath.4
How To Properly Bathe Your Baby
When bathing your baby, make sure you’re doing it correctly. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) suggests a sponge bath until the umbilical cord stump falls off.2 First, lay your baby on a clean towel. Then, using a washcloth with warm water, wipe your baby from head to toe. Make sure you’re extra gentle on their head and face. The AAD also recommends only using soap on the body and avoiding it on the face, head, and scalp.2
Once the umbilical cord stump comes off, you can begin putting your baby into their baby bathtub or sink. Ensure the water is warm but not too hot (less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit).1 You should only fill the tub or sink enough so that your baby’s legs and back are submerged in water. Once baby is comfortable, clean them the same way you did before. At this stage, the AAD recommends using mild soap on the head twice a week, specifically if your baby has hair.2 After toweling dry, a fragrance-free moisturizer is always good to ensure your baby’s skin doesn’t dry out.2,3 If you notice dry spots even after applying moisturizer, this is a sign to bathe your baby less often. Or ask your pediatrician about the possibility of eczema.
Increase Bath Times as They Grow
As babies become toddlers, bath time will look a bit different. It may become more fun! You’ll finally get to use those cute baby bath toys you received as gifts at your baby shower. Or it may become more stressful if your toddler hates the bath. Either way, you can still stick to only bathing your child three times a week or when needed.5
Of course, if your child is in school, going to the pool often, or getting dirty outside, you may consider incorporating more baths into your routine. Pay attention to your baby’s skin, and always try to use a mild, fragrance-free soap when they’re little to avoid irritation.1,2,3,5 If your baby develops dry eczema patches or rashes after bath time, talk to your pediatrician about emollients and soaps that may be best for them. Remember, bath time can be a fun way to bond with your child, but it’s unnecessary to do every day. So, cross that off your to-do list and maybe use that extra time to get a bath in for yourself!
