What do I need to bath my baby?

It’s helpful to have:

• somewhere to bath your baby that is stable and at a comfortable height
• at least one large towel and a washer (wash cloth)
• a mild cleanser
• a clean nappy and clothing

Generally, any baby wash is fine. Many baby washes are also suitable to use as shampoos — just make sure you rinse their scalp well.

Use cleansers sparingly as the skin of newborn babies is often sensitive. If your baby has dry skin, a non-soap, moisturising cleanser is best.

After some practice runs, you’ll work out what suits you and your baby best.

Do I need a baby bath?

Babies don’t tend to care what they’re bathed in, as long as they have room to move around.

Baby baths are ideal because they’re portable, easy to empty and easy to clean. But the kitchen sink works just as well in the early weeks of your baby’s life.

What bath products are safe for my baby?

Most bath products labelled 'for baby' or 'suitable for use on a baby' will be fine to use. Baby bath washes are often soap-free and paraben-free, to reduce the risk of reactions in the eyes and skin.

Soap and bubble bath are more likely to dry and irritate your baby’s skin.

Water on its own is not an effective cleanser.

Bath aids

You may want to put a non-slip bath mat on the bottom of the bath. This helps your baby feel secure. A towel on the bottom on the bath is a good alternative.

You may wish to use a bath aid to help support your baby in the bath. This leaves your hands free to wash your baby.

When is the best time to bath my baby?

There is no perfect time to bath your baby. Try to pick a time when you’re not rushed.

You may want to give your baby a bath before bedtime as part of their night-time routine.

How do I bath my baby?

Once the bath is ready, you can follow these steps:

• Gently lower your baby into the bath.
• Hold your baby securely with one hand, using your free hand to wash your baby’s skin.
• Wash your baby’s head and work down to their toes.
• Use plain water on their face, especially around their eyes and mouth.
• Use baby wash or soap on their skin and hair, and pay particular attention to their skin folds.
• Lift your baby gently out of the bath on onto a clean, dry towel.
• Gently pat their skin dry and make sure you dry inside their skin creases.
• Dress your baby, starting with a clean nappy.

Make bath time a happy event and try not to rush it. Watch for your baby’s responses and talk gently to them. Newborns are used to a warm and watery environment and often soothe when they are bathed.

You may want to have another trusted adult with you when you bathe your baby in the early weeks.

Topping and tailing

If you’d prefer not to bath your baby every day, a quick ‘top and tail’ clean will do.

Use cotton wool and a bowl of warm water. Wet each piece of cotton wool in warm water. Squeeze it out so it’s just damp when you use it. Talk to your baby as you go — tell them what you are doing.

Start by cleaning your baby’s face and eyes. Wipe each eye from the inner corner out. Use a separate piece of cotton wool for each eye. Then use another piece to wipe around their mouth and nose.

Use another piece of cotton wool to clean your baby’s ears, neck and face. Pay attention to their neck creases.

You may want to add a liquid cleanser to the water before washing their hands and feet.

Take off your baby’s nappy and gently wash their bottom. This is the tailing.

Make sure you dry them carefully — in particular their skin folds.

Bathing a newborn - video

Video provided by Raising Children Network.

How often should I bath my baby?

It’s not necessary to bath your baby every day — around 2 to 3 times a week will be enough. Although you may find your baby relaxes when they’re in the bath.

You may need to bath your baby more often once they’re eating solid food. There’s always more mess to clean when babies are learning how to feed themselves.

How do I keep my baby safe in the bath?

Follow these steps to help keep your baby safe in the bath:

• Get everything ready for bath time before you run the water.
• Run the bath with warm water. A safe temperature for a child’s bath is between 37°C and 38°C (or about 36°C for a newborn). Check the temperature with your wrist or elbow before placing your baby gently into the bath.
• Keep your baby’s head and face clear of the water.
• Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a minute. Babies and children can drown in just a few centimetres of water.
• Empty the bath water as soon as you’ve finished.
• Keep the bathroom door shut when the room is not being used.

An adult should always supervise babies and children under 5 years of age when they are in the bath. You should always be within arm’s reach of a child in the bath. If you need to leave the bathroom you must take your baby with you. Consider doing a first aid resuscitation course.

Ensure that the hot water delivered to your bath is a maximum of 50°C. A plumber can help you set this.

As my baby grows, will there be changes to how I bath them?

As your baby gets older, they will learn to look forward bath time. They will enjoy the opportunity to splash and play with bath toys.

How should I wash my baby now they can control their head?

Between the ages of 3 and 4 months, most babies develop head control. You will still need to help them keep their face and head out of the water.

Hold your baby securely and expect them to move around more than they did when they were a newborn.

How should I wash my baby now they can sit up?

Babies aged between 6 and 9 months may prefer to sit in the bath, rather than lie down.

You may find a baby bath is too small and the big bath is a better option.

They may try to stand up and even climb out of the bath; watch them carefully so they don’t slip. You may like to use a protective cover over the taps.

Even once your baby can sit-up, it’s important that you never leave them alone in the bath.

Resources and support

For more information about washing your baby, talk to your with your midwife or doctor.

Tresillian has tips and advice on how to introduce your baby to bath time and what to do if your baby doesn't like being bathed.

Other languages

Health Translations Victoria has picture cards on bathing a newborn translated into various community languages.

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne has translated information about water safety at bath time.