Bath time checklist: How to bathe a baby
Washing a newborn for the first time can be nerve- wracking as well as a lovely bonding moment. Follow our tips on how to bathe a newborn safely.
- You don’t need to wash your baby every day—for the first few weeks it may be easier to top and tail instead. Read our checklist on how to top and tail a baby to find out how.
- A bath two to three times a week is enough to keep your newborn clean.
- You can bathe your baby every day if you both enjoy the bonding time.
- Never leave your baby in the bath unattended, not even for a second.
- Choose a time when your baby is content and not too sleepy.
- Make sure the room is nice and warm when baby comes out of the bath.
- Prep the room beforehand, you will need: baby bath or clean washing up bowl, a clean diaper, clean towels, a bowl of cooled, boiled water, clean clothes, bath thermometer, and cotton balls.
- Fill the baby’s bath to about 8-10cm deep, run the cold water first then add hot water and swish the water around to avoid hot spots.
- Check the baby’s bath water temperature using the thermometer, it shouldn’t be over 38®C.
- Before putting the baby into the water, test the temperature again with your elbow, it should be warm with no hot spots.
- Undress your baby down to their diaper. Keep them warmly wrapped in a towel while you wash their face and eyes.
- Use cotton balls moistened with cooled, boiled water and check the temperature of the water before using. Wipe from the inside of the eye outward, using each piece of cotton ball once only.
- Hold your baby so that their head is over the bath water and, using your hand or a flannel, massage their scalp with water. Rinse their hair carefully and dry it.
- Remove your baby’s diaper and clean away any mess before putting them in the bath.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and remove any rings or bracelets.
- Lower your baby gently into the bowl or bath using one hand to hold their upper arm and support their head and shoulders.
- To hold them firmly but gently, place one hand around the back and grip under their arm, with your wrist or forearm supporting their head. Your other hand is then free to wash your baby.
- Gently swish warm water over their body, keeping your baby’s head clear of the water.
- If your baby still has vernix (the creamy white layer) in their creases, leave it there as it helps the skin barrier to develop.
- Lift your baby out of the bath, with one hand around the back and the other gripping under their arm. Your wrist of forearm should support their head. Be careful, as they can be quite slippery.
- Wrap your baby in a towel, remembering to cover their head, and pat dry, including all the creases. Put a diaper on.
- Now is a good time to massage your baby to help them relax and sleep. Avoid using any lotions or oil until they are over a month old. Read our checklist on how to give a baby massage for more tips.
- Dress baby in clean clothes. Newborns lose heat quickly so you may also want to use a blanket.
- If your baby gets frightened, try bathing together. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot and someone is around to hold your baby when you get in and out of the bath. This helps to get baby used to the water and is a lovely bonding moment.
Sources:
https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/everyday-care/bathing-your-baby
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/washing-your-baby/
Related articles
How to start complementary feeding
Starting complementary feeding is an exciting time. Here our top tips on how and when to start baby food from our resident dietitian.
3 mins to read
Baby allergies – Ask the expert
Laura Czerkies, MS, RD, Clinical Sciences Manager and Nutritionist at Nestlé Infant Nutrition, answers six essential questions about allergies in young babies.
3 mins to read
What to consider when choosing a childcare center
Wondering how to pick a childcare center to look after your baby?
2 mins to read
Antenatal Care - when should you see the doctor during your pregnancy
I'm happy to be pregnant but I'm feeling a bit apprehensive. Will I be able to give my baby what he/she needs? Will my child be healthy?
4 mins to read
Why is my baby crying?
Did you know? Around 25% of healthy babies may cry inconsolably during their first weeks of life. This is often called ‘colic’.
3 mins to read
What to ask at my baby’s health check?
A baby health check will be carried out soon after birth to ensure baby’s development is on track.
1 min to read
What to eat when you’re breastfeeding
Make sure you’re consuming a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to stay healthy and make high-quality breast milk for your baby.
7 mins to read
10 money-saving tips for having a baby on a budget
Working out how much to save for a baby can be a daunting task.
3 mins to read
Celebrations – birthday cake
Here is a mouth-watering recipe from Nestlé!
1 min to read
Benefits of Eating Together – Build Strong Habits for your Baby
Did you know? Studies show that the more often families share mealtimes, the more likely children are to have healthy diets and stay at healthy weights as toddlers.
2 mins to read
How to help a picky eater
Wondering how to help a picky eater? Developing a palate takes time. So we’ve prepared a menu of useful tips to help turn your picky eater into a food lover.
1 min to read
40-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Time’s up! If he hasn’t already, your baby will arrive in the next few days. And then you will be a mother at last! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
How many calories do mums who breastfeed need?
It’s no surprise that your energy and nutrition needs go up when you’re breastfeeding. Choose healthy foods and beverages to get the extra calories and nutrients you both need.
3 mins to read
Baby Allergies - 3 Facts Every Mum Should Know
Most allergies develop at infancy, particularly food allergy and atopic dermatitis (eczema).
2 mins to read
How much sleep does my baby need?
As a new parent, your baby’s sleeping habits are probably one of the first things you talk about with other new moms and dads. Here’s a rough guide of what to expect.
1 min to read
Exercise with toddlers: Clever mom hacks for hectic lives
Some days, the last thing you probably feel like doing is exercise—particularly if you’ve had a sleepless night. But keeping active can do wonders for your physical and mental health.
2 mins to read
Signs of A Weakened Immune System & How You Can Help Your Child
A strong immune system is the key for a healthy growing child. It gives them that extra protection to go on with their daily playtime.
4 mins to read
Signs your newborn’s hungry and signs he’s full
When it comes to feeding your baby, how will you know when to start and when to stop? Simple—he’ll tell you.
5 mins to read
First Words And Language Development
Hearing your little one say their first word makes you tingle with emotion and pride! How can you help baby through these amazing changes?
4 mins to read
