Bathing, washing and nappy care
Newborns don't need a bath every day. Here are the gentle basics, summarised from NHS guidance, your midwife or health visitor can show you in person.
Top and tail: daily washing without a full bath
Topping and tailing is a quick, targeted wash that keeps the areas most likely to become dirty or irritated clean between full baths. It is gentler on sensitive newborn skin than daily bathing, and once you have done it a few times it takes only a few minutes.
What you need: two small bowls of cooled boiled water (one for the face and upper body, one for the nappy area), clean cotton wool or soft cloths, a warm towel, a fresh nappy, and a clean set of clothes.
Method: lay your baby on a changing mat or firm surface and undress them, then wrap the lower half in a warm towel to keep them comfortable. Start with the face. Use a separate, clean piece of cotton wool for each eye, wiping gently from the inner corner outward toward the ear. This direction avoids carrying anything from one eye to the other. Use a fresh piece of cotton wool to wipe the rest of the face, then clean inside the neck folds, which are a common spot for pooled milk and moisture. Finish the upper body by cleaning the hands, particularly in the curled fingers where fluff and skin cells gather.
Once the upper half is clean and dry, unwrap the lower half. Remove the nappy and clean the nappy area thoroughly, always working from front to back. This is especially important for baby girls, as wiping back to front can introduce bacteria to the urinary tract. After cleaning, pat all skin gently dry with the towel, paying particular attention to the creases and folds where trapped moisture can cause soreness. Apply a thin layer of barrier cream if the skin looks at all pink, then put on a fresh nappy and dress your baby.
Topping and tailing once a day, combined with a full bath two or three times a week, is all most newborns need. Over-washing can strip the natural oils from their skin, which is still maturing in the first weeks of life.
Bathing safely: temperature, timing, and technique
A full bath is a lovely way to relax your baby, but getting the conditions right matters. Here is what to pay attention to.
How often: two to three baths a week is plenty for a newborn. Daily bathing is not necessary and can dry out their delicate skin. As your baby gets older and more mobile, you may find you need to bathe them more frequently, but there is no rush in the early weeks.
Water temperature: aim for around 37 to 38°C, which is close to body temperature. At this temperature the water should feel neither warm nor cool when you test it on the sensitive skin of your inner wrist or elbow. If you have a bath thermometer, use it, particularly until you have developed a feel for the right temperature. Always run the cold water into the bath first, then add the hot water, and stir the water thoroughly before placing your baby in to eliminate any hot spots near the tap end.
Water depth: a few centimetres of water is enough. You do not need to fill the bath deeply, and a shallower fill means less risk if your hold on your baby slips momentarily.
Support: keep one arm under your baby's shoulders at all times, supporting the head above the water. Newborns cannot hold their own heads up reliably, so your arm does that work throughout the bath. Never leave your baby unattended in water, even for a moment and even if they appear settled. If you need to answer the door or attend to something urgent, lift your baby out of the water, wrap them in a towel, and take them with you.
Products: plain water is the ideal choice for the first few weeks. After that, if you want to use bath products, choose ones specifically formulated for newborn skin: fragrance-free, pH-neutral, and free from alcohol and strong preservatives. Avoid adult bubble bath, strongly fragranced wipes, and products containing ingredients that are not suitable for immature skin. Your midwife or health visitor can advise if you are unsure about a specific product.
Caring for the umbilical cord stump
After birth, the section of umbilical cord that connected your baby to the placenta is clamped and cut, leaving a small stump attached to your baby's navel. This stump dries out and falls off naturally, usually within one to two weeks of birth, though it can take up to four weeks and that is still within the normal range. It does not require any special treatment beyond keeping it clean and dry.
How to care for it: if the stump gets dirty, clean it gently with plain water and allow it to dry fully before covering it. The most important thing is to keep it as dry as possible between washes, as moisture slows the drying process. Fold the waistband of the nappy down below the stump so that the nappy does not rub against it and so that air can circulate around the base. Avoid covering the stump with tight clothing. Do not try to pull the stump off, twist it, or apply any lotions or powders to speed the process. It will detach on its own when it is ready.
What is normal: the stump changes appearance as it dries. It will typically shift in colour from a pale yellow-green at birth through to brown and eventually black. These colour changes are a normal part of the drying process and are not a cause for concern on their own. There may also be a small amount of dried blood where it joins the skin, which is also normal.
When to seek advice: contact your midwife or GP if the skin around the base of the stump becomes red or swollen; if there is discharge from the stump that has a smell; if the stump appears to be oozing or looks infected; or if your baby seems uncomfortable or unwell alongside any of these signs. A small amount of clear or slightly yellow fluid at the very base as the stump falls off is usually normal, but any ongoing discharge or spreading redness should be assessed promptly.
Nappy care and preventing nappy rash
Nappy rash is very common in babies and is caused by prolonged contact between the skin and the wet or soiled contents of a nappy. The skin in the nappy area becomes red, inflamed, and sometimes broken or blistered, which can be uncomfortable for your baby. The good news is that consistent nappy care prevents most cases and clears mild rashes quickly.
What nappy rash looks like: the affected skin appears red and inflamed, often over the bottom, thighs, and genitals. In more severe cases the skin may look raw or develop small sores. Your baby may seem more unsettled than usual at nappy changes, particularly when the area is cleaned.
Prevention: change nappies promptly when they are wet or dirty, as the longer urine and stool remain in contact with the skin the more irritating they become. At each change, clean the nappy area thoroughly from front to back, then pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it. Allow the skin a moment to air dry fully before putting on the next nappy. Apply a thin, even layer of barrier cream at every change: products based on zinc oxide or petroleum are effective at forming a protective layer between the skin and the nappy. If it is practical, allow your baby a short period without a nappy each day, perhaps after a bath or during a feed. Even ten to fifteen minutes of nappy-free time allows the skin to breathe and can make a noticeable difference.
Treatment: if a rash does develop, increase the frequency of nappy changes, apply a thicker layer of barrier cream at each change, and extend the daily nappy-free period if you can. Most mild nappy rashes clear within two to three days with these measures. If the rash has not improved after two to three days, or if it looks bright red with raised spots at the edges, or if it has spread beyond the nappy area onto the abdomen or thighs, it may be a yeast infection caused by candida. Candida thrives in warm, moist environments and does not respond to barrier creams alone. It requires an antifungal cream, which your GP can prescribe. Always seek advice promptly if your baby seems to be in significant discomfort, or if the skin is broken and bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
How hot should bath water be for a baby?
Around 37-38°C, roughly body temperature. Test with your elbow or a bath thermometer; it should feel neither warm nor cool. Run cold water into the bath first, then add hot, and stir before placing your baby in.
How do I care for the umbilical cord stump?
Keep it clean and dry and let it fall off naturally, usually within 1-2 weeks. Fold the nappy below it to allow air circulation. Do not pull or twist it. Contact your midwife or GP if the surrounding skin is red or swollen, or there is smelly discharge.
How do I prevent nappy rash?
Change nappies promptly, clean from front to back, pat skin dry, and apply a thin barrier cream at every change. A short nappy-free period each day also helps. If a rash develops, increase barrier cream and nappy-free time; see a GP if it has not cleared after 2-3 days.
What products are safe for a newborn's skin?
Plain water is best for the first few weeks. After that, choose products specifically made for newborn skin: fragrance-free, pH-neutral, and free from alcohol and strong preservatives. Avoid adult bath products and strongly fragranced baby wipes.
Keep nappy logs handy
Cubby tracks nappies across the day, useful for spotting changes and for the doctor if anything seems off.
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