How Often to Bathe an Infant

Newborns

• If you are apprehensive about trying to keep your slippery, squirmy newborn from sliding under the water in your newly purchased baby tub, you will be happy to know that you do not really have to do it all that often, at least at first. Until your baby's umbilical cord falls off, you do not need to bathe her in the tub; a sponge bath will suffice. Take off your baby's clothes, except for her diaper, and wrap her in a towel to keep her warm. Use a soft washcloth and warm water to gently clean your baby part by part, starting at her head. The dirtiest parts of a newborn are in the skin creases in the neck, hands and groin, so use special care there. After her body is clean, remove her diaper, and use a fresh washcloth to gently wash her genitalia and behind. Newborns do not get very dirty, so you only need to wash her like this a few times each week (unless she has an explosive diaper problem or spits up excessively, of course).

First Tub Baths

• After the first week or two, your baby will be ready for tub baths. However, he still does not need to be bathed more than twice a week. According to the Mayo Clinic, bathing your newborn too often may dry out his skin. Buy a small tub with a backrest designed for newborns, so he is comfortable. A tub that fits in the kitchen sink will save your back and allow you to keep a better hold on your newborn. Fill the tub with just a few inches of warm water, and use a mild soap. Continue to pay attention to the folds and creases of your baby's body where the dirt hides, and be gentle---your baby may not like too much poking and prodding.

Crawling Babies

• At around 6 months, your baby will begin sitting up on her own and crawling. Infants of this age love to be free to explore the floor, and you can no longer restrict them to the relatively sterile environments of their infant seats. Your child will get dirty and will need to be cleaned more often. Exactly how often depends on how much mess your baby gets into, but every other day is probably sufficient for keeping her clean. However, once babies can sit up on their own, they begin to enjoy baths more, because they can hold toys and splash. Of course, you should always keep a hand on your baby so she does not slip under the water accidentally. If your baby likes her bath, make it a part of a soothing bedtime ritual, and give her one every night.