What to Wash Baby With? | Newborn Bath Basics

For most newborns, plain warm water is all you need for the first month of bathing.

Bathing a newborn feels like a high-stakes operation, but the reality is simpler than most new parents expect. In the first month, your baby’s skin is adjusting to life outside the womb, and it doesn’t need much help staying clean. Plain water handles the job in most cases, with a mild, fragrance-free baby soap reserved for the spots that truly need it. Here’s exactly what to use and how to make bath time safe and calm.

Is Plain Water Enough for a Newborn’s Bath?

Yes — for the first month, plain water is the best choice for your baby’s skin. Your newborn’s skin is thin and sensitive, and soap can strip away the natural oils that protect it.

That said, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes a mild, fragrance-free baby soap is acceptable for heavily soiled areas, like the diaper region or deep skin folds. The Mayo Clinic similarly advises a mild, moisturizing soap when one is needed. If you do use soap:

• Choose a mild, fragrance-free, neutral-pH baby wash.
• Use it sparingly — a little goes a long way.
• Rinse it off promptly and completely.

The key is restraint. If water alone gets the job done, skip the soap entirely.

How Often Should You Bathe a Newborn?

Newborns do not need a daily bath. Between baths, a warm washcloth is enough for the face, hands, and diaper area.

When you do bathe your baby, timing matters. Avoid bathing right after a feeding, when your baby might spit up, or when they’re overtired or hungry. A calm, alert baby makes for a much smoother bath.

Newborn Bathing Step by Step: Safe Approach

Bathing a newborn is mostly about safety and gentleness. Before you start, gather everything you need within arm’s reach — a towel, clean diaper, fresh clothes, and any washcloth or soap you plan to use.

Follow this order for a safe and calm newborn bath:

1. Warm the room and close windows to keep out drafts.
2. Fill the tub with cold water first, then add hot water and swirl to mix evenly.
3. Test the temperature with your wrist, elbow, or a bath thermometer. The water should feel warm, not hot — the NHS says no higher than 100°F (about 38°C).
4. Lower your baby in slowly, supporting the head and shoulders with one arm and the bottom with the other.
5. Wash the face and hair first with plain water, using a damp washcloth. If your baby has hair, a little baby shampoo once or twice a week is fine, per the NHS.
6. Clean the body, using minimal soap only where needed — skin folds, behind the ears, the neck, and diaper-area creases.
7. Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap, then lift your baby out and pat dry right away, especially in skin creases.

Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a few seconds. Keep the head well clear of the water throughout — if you need something from another room, take your baby with you.

What to Avoid When Washing a Newborn

A few common mistakes are easy to make in those early weeks. Steering clear of them keeps bath time safe and your baby’s skin healthy.

• Don’t bathe too often. Two or three times a week is plenty for a newborn.
• Don’t use hot water. Warm water, no hotter than 100°F, is the safe range.
• Don’t use scented or additive-heavy products. Fragrances can irritate newborn skin when water alone would work.
• Don’t bathe right after a feed or when the baby is fussy. A calm, settled baby is easier and safer to bathe.
• Never leave the baby alone.

If you’re building a bath-time kit and want a gentle, well-tested baby wash to have on hand for those heavily soiled moments, our roundup of the best baby washes breaks down the mildest fragrance-free options.