How Often Should Babies Take a Bath?

Having a newborn can feel overwhelming, and even simple routines like bath time can raise a lot of questions. Many parents wonder how often their baby actually needs a bath.

The good news is that babies do not need daily baths. In this guide, we will walk through how often to bathe your baby, when to bathe them more often, and how to do it safely and gently.

How Often Should I Bathe My Baby?

Many parents assume babies need daily baths, but that is not actually necessary. Most babies do not need daily baths. According to the Mayo Clinic, parents only need to bathe their babies up to three times a week.¹ Yes, just two to three times per week. 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.

• Diaper changes
• Spit-up cleanups
• Wiping hands and face after feeding

When children are young, their face, diaper area, and neck are the most important parts to clean.¹ When you think about how often you clean your baby throughout the day, those are the areas that matter most.

But you don’t need to stick to three days a week. If 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.

You may also want to bathe your baby more often in these situations:⁴

• After swimming
• After playing in dirt or mud
• When exposed to illness
• If it helps with sleep routines

Related: What Is Baby Eczema and How to Treat Your Baby’s Skin

How To Properly Bathe Your Baby

Once you know how often to bathe your baby, it is just as important to understand how to do it safely and gently:

• Use a sponge bath until the umbilical cord stump falls off²
• Lay your baby on a clean towel
• Use a warm, damp washcloth to clean from head to toe
• Be extra gentle around the face and head
• Avoid using soap on the face and scalp²

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.

If you are a visual learner, this step-by-step video shows how to safely bathe your baby and can help you feel more confident before your first bath.

Increase Bath Times as They Grow

As your baby grows into a toddler, bath time may become part of a more regular routine and 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.

Bath time can be a special moment to bond with your baby, but it does not have to happen every day. Focus on keeping your baby clean, comfortable, and supported, and adjust your routine based on what works best for your family.