Sub-navigation

• « Previous
• Next »
• Back to features list »

Bathing your baby

How often should I bath my baby?

• It’s not really necessary to give your baby a bath every day until she starts crawling.
• This is because until she starts to crawl she’s not going to become too dirty.
• However, you will need to clean her face frequently, and her genital area after each nappy change using gentle baby wipes, cleansers and cotton wool.
• However, there’s more to bath times than just washing – both parents and baby can find them great fun.
• So it’s really up to you and your baby whether it becomes a daily bath or not. It may help to get her into a good daily routine.

What’s the best way to give my baby a bath?

• Use baby soaps and pH-neutral cleansers, as anything stronger can damage your baby’s skin.
• Use a kitchen sink or a small plastic baby bath to save you from having to lean awkwardly over your standard sized bath.
• Make sure the room is warm and that the bath water is about 38°C – no hotter.
• For babies up to six months old, fill the bath with about five inches of water.
• Bring your baby to the bath area before undressing her so she doesn’t get cold.
• Put your baby into the bath, making sure you use one hand to support her neck and head.
• Stay with your baby at all times.

How should I wash different parts of her body?

• Different parts of your baby’s body need different kinds of washing.
• Use the soap sparingly and wash her with either your hand, flannel or a sponge from top to bottom, on her front and back.
• When you wash her scalp use a wet, soapy cloth.
• For her face use moistened cotton wool, and if any mucus has dried and collected around eyes and nostrils dab these areas several times to loosen the mucus before wiping it off.
• Rinse all the soap from her using a moist flannel.
• Wrap your baby in a towel and pat her sensitive skin dry without rubbing.
• For any dry skin or nappy rash problems apply a mild moisturising lotion.