Bathing your newborn baby for the first time is one of the sweetest, and for some, one of the most anxiety-provoking milestones of parenthood. Although parents may be nervous at first, they'll soon grow confident and competent as they learn what works best for them and their baby.

How Often Should Babies Be Given a Bath?

Until a baby starts crawling on the floor, a daily bath is not necessary. As long as adequate cleansing is done during diaper changes and after feedings, a bath two or three times a week in the pre-crawling months will keep a baby fresh smelling and presentable.

When Is the Best Time to Give Babies a Bath?

Just about any time of day can be the right time for a bath. Some parents feel bathing just before bedtime helps create a more relaxed state conducive to sleep. It is best to avoid baths just after or just before a meal, because so much handling on a full tummy could result in spitting up, and baby may not be cooperative on an empty stomach. Give a baby time for the bath, so it need not be hurried, and there won't be a temptation to leave baby unattended even for a second to take care of something else. Turn on the telephone answering machine or simply plan on not answering the phone during the bath time. If it's necessary to leave the room, take the baby along.

What Type of Bath Is Best for a Baby?

A sponge bath is recommended until the umbilical cord has fallen off (a couple of weeks, more or less). A baby should not be submerged in water because it increases the time for the umbilical cord to fall off. Instead, use a washcloth or sponge to keep the baby clean.

A baby is ready for a tub bath (or in a portable tub or sink) as soon as the umbilical cord stump has dried up and fallen off. A circumcision will heal during the week following the procedure and generally before the umbilical cord has fallen off. Sponge bathing during the healing process is not an issue.

Sponge Bath

1. Select a safe and flat surface on which to work. Make it comfortable for the baby by putting down a soft, clean towel.
2. Place any supplies within easy reach of the bathing area.
3. Get baby ready. If the room is warm, remove all of baby's clothing before beginning, covering him or her loosely with a towel during the sponge bath. If it is cool in the room, undress each body part of the body right before washing it. Do not remove baby's diaper until it's time to cleanse that area.
4. Always keep one hand on the baby for his or her safety.
5. If someone else is available, have them take a picture to commemorate this very tender milestone of baby and parenthood.
6. Begin washing. Take time to admire the baby's body -- all too often people bundle up babies and never adore those precious feet or that soft bottom. It is a good idea to wash a newborn's hair near the end of bath time. This will help prevent him or her from losing too much body heat.
   
   Face. Using a soft cloth moistened in warm water, clean around the baby's eyes, wiping gently from the nose outward. No soap is needed. Wipe around the baby's mouth, nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin. Wipe around the outer ears but not inside. Dry all parts of the face.
   
   Neck and chest. Again, soap is not necessary unless baby is sweaty, smelly, or dirty. Be sure to get into those abundant creases where spit-up is likely to collect. Dry.
   
   Arms. Open the arms to get into the elbow creases, and press the palms to open the fist. The hands will need a bit of soap, but be sure to rinse them well before they are back in baby's mouth. Dry.
   
   Back. Turn baby over on the tummy with the head to one side, and wash the back, being sure not to miss the neck folds. Dry, and dress the upper body before continuing if the room is chilly.
   
   Legs. Extend the legs to get the back of the knees. If your baby seems up to it, massage the feet or play "This little piggy" with the baby's toes. Dry.
   
   Head. Once or twice a week, use soap or baby shampoo, rinsing very thoroughly. On interim days, use just water. A football hold at the sink's edge can be the easiest and most comfortable way to rinse baby's head. Before proceeding, dry the baby's hair and then place the hood of the towel or an infant cap on his or her head to help maintain body heat.
   
   Cord care. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has modified the guidelines for umbilical cord care. The new recommendations favor cleansing the stump with warm water if necessary. Rubbing alcohol cleaning is not indicated. When the stump dries out and falls off (usually between one to three weeks after birth), baby can have a tub bath.
   
   Diaper area. Grab a new washcloth to clean the genitals. Wash girls’ front to back, spreading the labia and cleaning gently with a washcloth dipped in soap and warm water. A white discharge is normal; don't try to scrub it away. Rinse gently with warm water. Wash boys carefully, getting into all the creases with soap and warm water. For the circumcised baby, while he is still healing, put a fresh application of petroleum jelly over the wound. For the uncircumcised baby, do not try to retract the foreskin. Dry the diaper area well and apply ointment if needed. Diaper the baby. Circumcisions generally take five to seven days to heal completely.
7. Babies generally do not routinely need application of body lotions.
8. Get the baby fully dressed.