How Often Should You Bathe Your Baby—and Exactly How to Do It

Admit it: Part of the reason you were excited to be a parent is for the adorable post-bath baby pics and snuggles. That bonding time is so precious, and there’s nothing quite like wrapping your clean, sweet baby in a warm towel and planting a smooch on their tiny forehead.

But bathing a baby can also feel intimidating. Wet, sudsy babies are slippery, and you might worry about using the wrong cleanser, drying out their sensitive skin, or keeping a safe grip. The good news: bathing a baby isn’t difficult if you follow safe, gentle, and regular routines. Here’s a full guide to get you started.

How Often Does a Baby Need a Bath?

Babies aren’t usually very dirty. They don’t sweat like adults or play outside, so frequent baths aren’t necessary and can actually dry out their delicate skin.

Newborns (0-2 Months)

At this stage, bathe your baby only a few times a week. Daily cleaning with a soft cloth or wipe after feeding, spit-up, and diaper changes is usually enough. Sponge baths are ideal, especially around the umbilical stump in the first few weeks.

2 Months and Up

Once the umbilical stump falls off, you can use a baby tub for regular baths. Still, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests bathing your baby no more than three times per week until their first birthday.

When to Give a Baby a Bath

Choose a time when your baby is well-fed and rested. Many parents prefer bath time before bedtime to establish a soothing routine and signal that sleep is near.

How to Give Your Baby a Sponge Bath

Follow these simple steps to safely give a newborn a sponge bath:

  • Find a flat surface: Use a changing table, counter, or floor. Make sure the area is warm and padded with a clean towel.
  • Gather your supplies: Hooded towel, washcloth, gentle baby soap/shampoo, clean diaper, and clothes.
  • Prepare the water: Warm water (~98.6°F). Test with your elbow to ensure it’s not too hot. Never use running water.
  • Add soap (optional): Warm water and a soft washcloth may be enough. If using soap, a small amount of gentle baby bath is sufficient.
  • Undress baby and wrap in hooded towel: Expose body parts as you wash, rewrapping to keep them warm.
  • Start washing: Always keep one hand on your baby. Wash face (including eyelids), head, ears, neck, underarms, creases, fingers, toes, and diaper area (last). Avoid the umbilical stump as advised by your pediatrician.
  • Pat dry: Use a towel to gently dry baby, then put on a diaper and clean clothes. Apply fragrance-free lotion if skin is dry.
  • Clean up safely: Only put away supplies once your baby is dry, warm, and secure in a safe spot.

How to Bathe Your Baby in a Baby Tub or Sink

Once the umbilical stump falls off, you can use a baby tub or sink:

  • Choose a tub or sink: Ensure it’s clean, stable, and lined with a towel. Do not use bath seats for newborns.
  • Gather supplies: Hooded towel, washcloth, gentle soap/shampoo, cup for rinsing, dry towel, clean diaper, and clothes.
  • Add water: No more than 2 inches of warm water (~98.6°F). Turn off faucet after filling.
  • Undress baby: Keep one hand on them at all times. Pour water gently over arms, belly, and shoulders to acclimate them.
  • Wash head and face: Use soft washcloth and gentle soap. Rinse with cup, shielding eyes.
  • Wash body: Wash other areas, saving diaper are