Baby skincare for newborns and sensitive skin
Newborn skin is delicate and needs a gentler approach than older baby skin. The good news is that caring for it well does not require complicated routines or shelves full of products. A few simple habits, done consistently, are all most babies need in the early weeks.
How often does a newborn really need a bath?
Many new parents assume a daily bath is a must, but that is not the case. You do not need to give your baby a full bath every single day. A technique called topping and tailing — washing only the key areas that get dirty — is a perfectly effective approach on days when you skip the bath.
What matters far more than bath frequency is keeping the face, neck, hands, and nappy area clean and dry. These areas accumulate milk, saliva, and waste throughout the day, so focusing on them is what genuinely protects your baby's skin.
Topping and tailing: what it is and how to do it
Topping and tailing is a gentle, targeted wash that covers the most important areas without immersing your baby in water each time. To do it, you will need a bowl of warm water, several pieces of cotton wool, a soft towel, and a fresh nappy.
- Eyes first. Wipe each eye using a separate piece of cotton wool, moving from the inner corner near the nose outward. Using a fresh piece for each eye prevents cross-contamination.
- Face and neck. Gently clean the face, making sure to get into the neck folds where milk can pool and cause soreness.
- Ears. Clean around the outside of each ear. Never put anything inside the ear canal, including cotton buds.
- Hands. Babies keep their hands balled into fists much of the time, so moisture can build up in the creases. Open the hand gently and clean between the fingers.
- Nappy area. Use fresh cotton wool and warm water to clean the bottom and genital area thoroughly before putting on a clean nappy.
Giving a full bath safely
When you do give a full bath, preparation before you bring your baby into the room makes everything smoother and safer.
- Warm the room first. Keep the room warm during bathing and while you dry and dress your baby afterwards, so there is no risk of them getting cold.
- Fill the bath in the right order. Always run cold water into the bath first, then add hot water. This eliminates the risk of your baby coming into contact with water that is too hot if it splashes.
- Check the temperature carefully. Test the water on your wrist or elbow before placing your baby in. It should feel comfortably warm rather than hot, and you should check that there are no hotter patches anywhere in the water.
- Support your baby throughout. Hold your baby's upper arm firmly with one hand while supporting the head and shoulders with your forearm. Lower them gently into the water. Once in, keep their head well clear of the water at all times.
- Wash gently. Swish warm water over your baby without splashing. There is no need for vigorous rubbing.
- Dry thoroughly. After the bath, pat your baby dry with a soft towel, paying close attention to all the skin folds and creases, including the neck, armpits, and groin. Moisture left in these areas can lead to soreness.
- Empty the bath immediately. Once bath time is over, drain the water straight away.
The most important bath safety rule
Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second. This applies even if the water is shallow. If the doorbell rings or another child needs you, lift your baby out and take them with you, wrapped in a towel. It is equally important not to leave an older child in charge of a baby during bath time.
You should also avoid bathing your baby immediately after a feed, or when they are hungry or very tired, as this can make the experience more distressing for them.
Baby bath seats may look helpful, but the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advises against them because they create a drowning risk even in shallow water. A bath seat is not a substitute for an adult's hands.
What to use on newborn skin
Plain warm water is entirely suitable for washing a newborn, and for many families it is all they need in the early weeks. If you prefer to use a product, choose a liquid cleanser that is specifically designed for babies. The same principle applies to any oils or lotions you want to use after bathing: always check that the product is labelled as suitable for babies before applying it to your newborn's skin.
There is no need to use a large range of products. Keeping things simple reduces the chance of any irritation.
Caring for the umbilical cord stump
Your baby's umbilical cord stump will dry out and fall off on its own, usually within a few weeks of birth. For day-to-day care, the main thing to remember is that you only need to clean around it if it gets soiled with urine or faeces. If that happens, use fresh cotton wool dampened with warm water, clean the area gently, and then pat it completely dry with a soft towel. Keeping the stump dry is what helps it heal and separate naturally.
Nail care for newborns
Newborn nails can be surprisingly sharp and long. Trimming them reduces the chance of your baby scratching their own face. Use special baby nail clippers or round-ended safety scissors rather than adult nail scissors, which are harder to control on small fingers. The easiest time to trim nails is when your baby is asleep or in a very relaxed, drowsy state, as they are less likely to move suddenly.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I bathe my newborn?
You do not need to give your newborn a full bath every day. Topping and tailing — a gentle wash of the face, neck, hands and bottom using warm water and cotton wool — is a perfectly good alternative on days when a full bath is not needed.
What can I put on my newborn's skin?
Plain warm water is suitable for washing a newborn. If you prefer to use a product, choose a liquid cleanser that is specifically designed for babies. If you want to use a lotion or oil, make sure it is labelled as suitable for babies before applying it.
How do I look after my baby's umbilical cord stump?
You only need to clean around the umbilical cord stump if it becomes soiled with urine or faeces. If that happens, use fresh cotton wool and warm water, clean gently, and pat the area dry with a soft towel.
Is it safe to leave my baby in the bath for a moment?
No. You should never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second. It is also not safe to leave an older child in charge of supervising a baby during bath time.
How do I check that the bath water is the right temperature?
Always run cold water into the bath first, then add hot water. Before placing your baby in the water, test the temperature on your wrist or elbow. It should feel comfortably warm, not hot, and you should check that there are no hot patches anywhere in the water.
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