Giving Your Baby a Bath

Give your baby a bath every 2-3 days. Use mild baby soap and shampoo.

Check out the March of Dimes video for bathing tips.

Sponge Bath
Until his belly button heals, give your baby a sponge bath.

• Lay your baby on a padded towel.
• Dip a cotton ball into plain water and gently wipe his eyes.
• Use a wet washcloth (no soap) to wash his face. Then wash his body with soapy water. Wash the diaper area last.
• Rinse him off with plain water and pat him dry. 

Tub Bath
After the umbilical cord heals, bathe your baby in a small plastic tub or in the sink with just a few inches of water. Line it with a sponge or towel to make it less slippery.

Don't leave your baby alone in the tub, even for a minute!

1. Gently wash his face with plain water. Wash his body with soapy water. Wash the diaper area last.
2. Wash your baby's hair with a little baby shampoo. Tip his head back so the shampoo doesn't run into his eyes.
3. Rinse him with clean water.
4. Wrap your baby in a towel and pat him dry.

For safety tips, read Bathtubs and Bath Products from Consumer Reports.

October 2008