Bathing your newborn for the first time can feel intimidating.  Many parents worry about when to give their baby their first bath, what they need, and how to keep their baby safe and calm during bath time.

This complete guide explains how to bathe a newborn safely, from the first week at home through to toddlerhood.  You'll learn what to do at each stage, the correct baby bath temperature, how often to bathe your baby, and what products are genuinely useful. 

When should you give a newborn their first bath?

Most midwives recommend waiting until your baby's umbilical cord stump has healed, which usually takes around 5 - 7 days.  Until then, babies are cleaned using a method called 'top and tail', which gently cleans your baby without fully submerging them in water.

What you need before bathing your baby

Step 1 | How to Clean a Newborn Using the 'Top and Tail' Method (0-1 Week)

"Top and tail" is a term many parents hear for the first time after birth.  It simply means cleaning your baby's face and upper body (top) and then their bottom and lower body (tail) using cotton wool and lukewarm water.

This method is recommended in the early days because newborn skin is very delicate and often still covered in vernix caseosa, a natural substance that helps protect your baby's skin.  It also avoids soaking the umbilical cord before it has healed.  

How to Top and Tail a Newborn

1. Use clean cotton wool and lukewarm water
2. Use separate bowls of water for the top and tail such as a top and tail bowl
3. Gently clean the face, neck folds, and arms (top)
4. Use fresh cotton wool to clean the legs, bottom, and genital area (tail)

Important Rules  Never mix clean or dirty cotton wool Never put used cotton wool back into your clean water Never use the same cotton wool for the top and tail

How often should you top and tail?

• Clean your baby's bottom after every dirty nappy
• Do a full top and tail once a day during the first week
• Use a clean cotton wool ball for each wipe

What is the correct bath temperature for a Newborn?

The ideal bath temperature for a newborn is 36–37°C.  Bath water should never exceed 38°C

Using your elbow to test the water is unreliable, as elbows are very sensitive and can lead to bath water being too cold.  A baby bath thermometer ensures the temperature stays safe and comfortable for your baby.

Step 2 | How to bathe a Newborn in a Baby Bath (from around 1 week)

Once your baby's umbilical cord has healed, you can begin giving them a proper bath using a baby bath tub or newborn bath support. 

Newborn Bath Support vs Baby Bath Tub

Many parents choose a baby bath that offers reclined support to help prevent slipping and give extra confidence such as a newborn bath support while others prefer the baby bath tup which offers a more upright, comfortable position for baby whilst offering additional bum bump support to prevent slipping.  They also use less water than a bath support requires. 

How often should you bathe baby?

• Newborns and young babies do not need daily baths. 
• 2-3 baths per week is enough for most babies
• Daily baths are fine if your baby enjoys them
• Limit baths to 5 mins if baby is very young and no more than 10 mins.

You can use warm water alone for the first few weeks before introducing a gentle baby wash and shampoo.

A common and helpful routine is bathing your baby just before bedtime, as warm water can help babies relax and settle more easily.

Step 3 | Bathing your Baby as they Grow (Toddler Bath Stage)

As your baby becomes more active (around 9-12 months), they may start sitting up, pulling themselves up, and splashing more during bath time.

While some parents move straight to the adult bath, this can be slippery and uses a lot of water.  Bath seats are another option, but suction cups can come loose and may pose a safety risk. 

A toddler bath tub provides:

• More space for movement
• A safer, non-slip bathing area
• Reduced water usage
• Greater confidence for both parent and child

How often to bathe a Toddler?

Toddlers typically need bathing every 1 - 2 days.  However, many parents still choose to bathe their toddler daily as part of a calming bedtime routine, especially after messy meals or active days. 

Baby Bath Safety Tips

• Never leave your baby unattended in the bath
• Always have towels and suppliers within arm's reach
• Keep bath time calm and relaxed
• Use non-slip bath supports where appropriate

Learning how to bathe a newborn takes practice, and it's completely normal to feel nervous at first.  With the right setup, correct water temperature, and a calm routine, bath time can become a soothing and enjoyable bonding experience for both you and your baby.