Stress Free Mommies

My World...Your Sanctuary

Let’s be social!

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact / Work with me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy
    • All three trimesters
    • Labor and delivery
    • Postpartum tips
  • motherhood
    • for moms
    • toddler
    • kids learning books
    • household
    • Money saving
    • Holidays
    • Marriage
  • All things baby
  • Easy Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Drinks
    • appetizer
    • Hide the veggies
    • side dish
    • main dish
    • Desserts
  • Shop
You are here: Home / Stress free tips / An easy step by step guide on how to bathe a newborn baby

An easy step by step guide on how to bathe a newborn baby

Shared by Ros Emely on 4 Comments

Pin
Share
Easy and step by step guide on how to bathe a newborn baby. Giving your newborn a bath for the first time doesn't have to be scary I promise!

For many first time parents the thought of bathing their newborns for the first time can be scary and intimidating. I know exactly how that feels! I didn’t bathe my first born until her umbilical cord fell off. My mom would take my daughter a bath up until I was comfortable in doing so. Bathing a newborn baby doesn’t have to be stressful or scary anymore, it can actually be a fun bonding experience for you and your baby.

Knowing how to bathe a newborn is going to help you achieve this important milestone. I’m going to guide you step by step how you can successfully bathe your newborn with an umbilical cord and without, the easy and stress free way, of course!

Take it from a mama of three (twins included), who learned the first time around. When I had my twins, I was not scared when it was time to take them their first bath because I knew the steps to take! I hope you find these tips on how to bathe a newborn helpful and useful 🙂

Easy step by step guide on how to bathe a newborn baby

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

how to bathe a newborn baby in easy steps

First things first, before you can start taking your baby his first bath, how exciting!! You’ll need to have these essentials for bathing your newborn. Make sure you have these items prepared before hand, this way it’s easier for you to move quickly and effectively. Having a bath time basket with all of the essentials in it can help keep you organized!

Bath time essentials

  • Baby wash cloths
  • Sponge
  • Baby bathtub
  • Bath towel
  • Baby lotion (optional)
  • Diaper rash cream
  • Baby body wash (unscented)

How to bathe a newborn with the umbilical cord:

bathing a newborn baby with umbilical cord

Since your newborn does not need to be inside a bathtub yet, (umbilical cord can’t get wet), you can simply find the best and comfortable location where you would want to bathe your baby.

It can be in your bedroom, baby’s nursery or where ever you want. Just make sure the room is not cold at all, it should be at room temperature. You’ll need a towel or soft blanket to lay your baby on. Let’s start!

1.Lay your baby on a soft patted surface( towel, blanket(not the fuzzy ones) or on a baby bath sponge.

2.With a wash cloth or sponge, damp it in warm water and start by washing your baby’s face and hair

3.Move down to under their chin( spit ups usually gather around there)

4.Now it’s time for his tummy, go around the umbilical cord, making sure it does not get wet.

5.Wash baby’s bottom, privates and legs. It’s time to dry him up, careful with the umbilical cord. (You can carefully patted it dry if it gets wet).

6. It’s time to dry your baby! With a clean and dry towel start drying your precious newborn, you can apply baby lotion (optional) and baby rash cream. Put on a clean diaper and clean comfortable clothes and you’re done 🙂

How to bathe a baby without the umbilical cord:

bathing a newborn baby without umbilical cord

1. Fill baby bathtub with warm water, not hot.

2.Holding your baby, slowly place him in the water covering his tummy.

3.Hold baby’s head or body at all times. (He can slip off, baby still needs your support). Place a baby bath mat on top of the tub, this way your baby doesn’t slip!

4.Using your hands or wash cloth, pour baby shampoo on it, just a little. And begin washing your baby’s head and body.

5.Rinse your baby off to remove the shampoo or body wash, be careful if it gets in his eyes!

6. Remove baby from the bathtub and place him on his bath towel on top of a flat surface!

7.Dry him up, put on some baby lotion (if you want)

8. Put on a clean diaper, diaper rash cream and his new clothes on. Your baby is now happy, fresh and ready for his feeding 🙂

guide on how to bathe a newborn baby

Have extra helping hands

Have your partner or a family member help you bathe your newborn baby, at least for the first couple of times. He can help you hold the baby while you bathe him. If you need to step away to grab a bath time essential, your partner is there with the baby. It’s all about teamwork!

Should you bathe your newborn baby before or after a feeding

I always fed all three of my kids after taking them a bath when they were babies. Taking your newborn baby a bath before feeding will ensure that he does not spit up during bath time. Also, it will prevent any poopy accidents during bath time! 

How often can you bathe a newborn baby?

The good news is that you do not need to bathe your newborn every day. In fact only a couple of days a week is recommended. This will ensure that your baby’s skin does not dry up. Besides newborn baby’s do not get dirty that often. Besides their dirty diapers of course!

Important things to remember:
  • Never leave your baby unattended while in the bathtub. Please take him/her with you if you need to go grab something.
  • Keep in mind there may be some crying involved. (some babies do not enjoy taking baths)
  • Keep your room at room temperature, you baby may get cold easily.
  • It can get messy mama! But can also be so much fun!

Taking your newborn baby a bath for the first time can be intimidating and plain right scary! I was definitely not comfortable taking my first born a bath with her umbilical cord still intact. But, I learned as I went.

Remember that it will get easier and you’ll soon be a pro at bathing your newborn baby with and without the umbilical cord. These easy steps will guide you into a stress free newborn bathing experience.

 Hugs, Ros Emely

Related Post

7 ways to immediately treat and lower your child...
15 helpful and easy ways to bond with your newborn...
6 awesome ways to teach your toddler sharing is fu...
7 surprising ways to know if you’re going in...
Pin
Share

Don’t Miss The Latest

first time mom struggles and tips

8 first time mom struggles + how to overcome them quick!

First time mom struggles are real girl! Think about it? You are welcoming your new baby home and are learning how to adapt to this new life. You're a mom! Yay! Now, being a first time mom is hard, I'm just being realistic with you. It's Continue Reading...

miscarriage signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a miscarriage + how to reduce risk of having one

About 80% of Miscarriages happen during the first trimester. Unfortunately miscarriages happen more often than we think. Learn about the the signs and symptoms of a miscarriage. What are the causes of why some women miscarry and how you can reduce Continue Reading...

entertaining your toddler

15 Super fun toddler activities to do at home to keep them busy

Oh toddlers, how they keep us on our toes! If you're looking for ways to help keep your toddler entertained and busy, you're in the right place! Keeping a toddler entertained for a long period of time can be a bit hard since they easily get bored. Continue Reading...

top graphic tees for moms

10 super cute mama shirts for everyday wear

Hey mama! Looking for cute shirts for moms to wear? You're in the right place! I honestly love cute and comfortable shirts to wear everyday. These shirts make great new moms gifts for the holidays and for birthdays. I know there's a bad rep that Continue Reading...

Filed Under: Stress free tips Tagged With: baby, bath, bath essentials, bathtime, newborn, tips

Pregnancy Baby Motherhood Easy Recipes Shop

What day are we in again?

December 2018
M T W T F S S
« Nov   Jan »
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  

Search for posts

More Information about..

  • Disclosure Policy
  • How not to lose yourself in motherhood
  • Privacy Policy
  • Shop
  • Thank You!
  • Work with me

WE ARE A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES.

*Please note that all of the articles written on StressFreeMommies.com is to be used as informational and educational only. Please do not substitute any of the information found on this blog for medical advice.*

I am Proudly part of

SoFab Badge
Copyright ©2019, Stress Free Mommies. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs