Suitable for
0-3
Bathing a newborn
Preparing a newborn bath
Place all the bath items you need within
reach – towels, mild baby cleanser,
washcloth, cotton wool, clean nappy
and clean clothes. Have an unfolded
towel ready to dry your baby. Make sure
the room is a comfortable temperature.
Bathing a newborn
Once the bath is ready, undress your
baby. Cradle your baby’s head and
shoulders with one hand and support
their body with the other. Gently lower
your baby into the bath.
Newborn bath safety
Never leave your baby alone in the bath.
If you have to leave the bath area, wrap
your baby in a towel and take them with
you. Babies can drown in less than 5 cm
of water.
Fill the bath with just enough warm
water to wash your baby. Test the water
with a bath thermometer, your wrist or
your elbow. The water should be 37-
38°C and feel warm, not hot.
Use a soft washcloth for the
following steps.
1. Gently clean your baby’s face.
2. Clean your baby’s neck and body.
3. Clean your baby’s genitals and
bottom last.
Support your baby’s head, neck and body
when you take them out of the bath. Lay
your baby on the unfolded towel and
gently pat them dry.
PARENTING
IN PICTURES months
Moisten a cotton wool ball or soft
washcloth with warm water. Gently clean
your baby’s eyelids, wiping from inner
eye to outer eye. Use a new piece of
cotton wool or a clean part of the cloth for
each wipe.
Once or twice a week wash your baby’s
hair. Gently splash water onto their head.
You need shampoo only when your baby
is older, has more hair, is more active or
has oily-looking hair.
Put your baby in a safe place, like a cot
or bassinette, before you tip out the
bathwater.
© Raising Children Network