For newborns, less is more. Babies don’t need a bath every day. 

• check the water temperature is between 37-38C before you put your baby in the bath
• bath your newborn every two to three days to help prevent dry skin
• on days in between, gently wipe their face, neck, hands, and bottom with a warm, damp washcloth
• if your baby gets dirty from saliva, vomit, poo, or wee, you can clean them more often
• some babies love daily baths- do what feels right for your baby and family.

Having fun with bathtime

Once you’ve covered the basics, bath time can become a special moment to connect and play with your baby.

• try gentle movements, like swishing them side to side in the water while keeping eye contact
• sing, smile, play music, or chat softly to create a warm, engaging atmosphere
• let your baby explore the water - they might bring their hands together, kick their legs, push their feet against the end of the bath, or play with safe bath toys. These little actions help build their sensory skills.