How to Bathe a Baby – A Baby Bathing Guide

Bathtime can be a source of joy for both babies and their caregivers, but with a baby’s sensitive skin, bathtime can also be a source of worry. Are you bathing them too often? Not enough? How warm should the water be, and what type of soap or cleansing products are most appropriate for your baby’s sensitive skin?

In our guide to baby bathing, you’ll learn what you need to know about how to give a baby a bath – from how to prepare, to step-by-step bathing instructions, to how to keep their skin cared for after bathtime is over. Read on to learn our top tips for baby bathing.

As an adult, you likely shower every day or several times a week, but your baby’s delicate skin is still developing its protective barrier during the first year¹. This means their skin can’t protect itself and hold onto moisture as easily as ours can, so proper care must be taken when bathing to not dry out their skin.

So how often should you bathe a baby? Generally, up to 3 times a week should be sufficient², with gentle wipe-ups in between with a wet washcloth in areas where your baby has folded skin such as the armpits, groin, or chin/neck.

It is not generally advisable to bathe a child under 1 year old every day as this can dry out the skin². Sponge baths in between full baths can help with isolated areas that need a gentle wipe, but daily bathing is not recommended even until adolescence, unless a child has gotten dirty or smelly, is wearing bug spray or sunscreen, has been in a pool or other body of water³.

This guide refers to bathing babies over 3 months old. Be sure to consult with your OBGYN or pediatrician regarding newborn bathing protocols². 

For babies past the newborn stage, here are some general baby bathing guidelines you can follow to start building good habits: 

 

• A basin – This could be a small plastic tub to place in a sink, or the sink itself. 
• Gentle washcloth and soft, hooded towel 
• A gentle, fragrance-free baby cleanser such as Aquaphor® Baby Wash & Shampoo 
• Changing supplies such as baby wipes and a fresh diaper, and any clothing you plan to change your baby into after their bath 

 

1. Gather the supplies listed above and find a flat surface in a warm environment to change your baby out of their clothes and diaper to prepare for the bath. 
2. Fill the basin or sink with approximately 2 inches of lukewarm water. Test the water on your wrist to make sure it’s a comfortable temperature². 
3. Place your baby in the water in the basin feet first by holding underneath your baby’s body with your dominant hand and supporting their head and neck in your other hand. Be sure to keep your eye on them at all times. To help keep them warm, you may want to periodically pour some of the water over their body⁴. 
4. Wash your baby by starting at their head to gently cleanse their scalp using the baby wash and rinse, taking care not to get any soapy water in their eyes. Wet the washcloth with plain water to wash your baby’s face, gently wiping from the inside to outside corners of their eye area. Continue to wash your baby’s body by gently applying the baby wash to their skin with the washcloth, being careful to clean creased areas as well as between their fingers and toes. Rinse each area that you wash as you go along². 
5. Once you’ve washed and rinsed your baby’s skin, remove your baby from the basin and wrap them in a soft towel to get warm and dry⁴. 
6. To help keep baby’s skin from getting dry, or if you notice areas of diaper rash or dryness, apply a moisturizing ointment such as Aquaphor® Baby Healing Ointment as needed. 
7. Change your baby into a fresh diaper and clean clothes.

We’ve covered several of the Do’s of baby bathing. Here are some of the Don’ts to keep in mind during your baby’s bathtime:

1. Don’t use hot water – keep water a lukewarm, comfortable temperature. 
2. Don’t take a long time to bathe your baby – limit bathtime to 5-10 minutes 
3. Don’t use harsh soaps – your baby’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin and can easily be irritated from certain soaps or fragrances 
4. Don’t leave your baby unattended in the bath – keep one hand on your baby at all times. If you need to attend to something away from your baby during the bath, take your baby with you. 
5. Don’t fully submerge your baby in water – Fill the basin with approximately 2 inches of lukewarm water so that your baby is comfortable but not submerged. 
6. Don’t scrub your baby’s skin – gently wipe your baby’s skin with a washcloth but avoid harsh scrubbing or rubbing 
7. Don’t bathe your baby too often – limit baths to a few times a week at most. If your baby’s skin gets dry, you may wish to bathe less frequently and supplement with sponge bathing certain areas in between. 
8. Don’t forget to rinse – be sure to fully rinse any suds off your baby’s skin before toweling off. 
9. Don’t forget to apply a skin protectant ointment afterward if your baby has any areas of dry skin, diaper rash, or drool rash. Even if your baby isn't showing any signs of dry skin or diaper rash, using a skin protectant ointment in the diaper area can help prevent diaper rash.

Bathing a baby can feel daunting. Here are some common questions and answers you’re likely to encounter when bathing your baby. 

With Aquaphor® Baby, we have you covered during bathtime and beyond. Take the worry out of bathtime with Aquaphor® Baby Wash and Shampoo, knowing that you’re using a suitable and gentle product on your baby’s sensitive skin that’s designed to cleanse without drying.

For chafing and dryness, Aquaphor® Baby Healing Ointment is here to help keep your baby’s skin protected, nourished and soothed. In the case of diaper rash, Aquaphor® Baby 3 in 1 Diaper Rash Cream protects baby’s delicate skin, provides soothing relief, and effectively treats diaper rash.

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:  

1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin  
   
2. Improve the appearance of the skin  
   
3. Achieve healthier-looking skin