How Often Should You Wash An Infant | Mastering Infant Hygiene

Nothing feels better than welcoming a new small human into your home. But with the arrival of the new baby come thousands of questions and concerns. One of which is How often should you wash an infant? 

As important as it is to clean up, overwashing can welcome skin and health problems in babies. Finding the right balance is important to maintain cleanliness and good health. 

Bathing can be an amazing activity to promote bonding between parents and babies. When I was a new parent, it was difficult for me as well to find the magic number of how often I should bathe my little one.

With some research, I found all the necessary information regarding infant bathing. So to save you from the trouble, here is everything you need to know about newborn baths. 

Understand Your Baby’s Skin

It is no mystery that a baby’s skin is a lot more delicate than that of adults. Their skin is much thinner and more susceptible to infection and irritation. The softness and smoothness of baby skin can turn dry if not taken care of properly. 

Depending on the weather of where you live, you can wash your baby 2 to 3 times a week. Washing more than that can damage the vernix of your baby’s skin. It is the natural white substance that your baby has which protects their skin. 

How Often Should You Wash Your Baby By Age 

Almost all babies need to follow the same general rule when it comes to bathing. Unless your doctor recommends otherwise, these rules apply to my baby, your baby, and every other newborn. 

Newborn (O to 15 days old)

It is advised not to give newborns a proper wash until their umbilical stump falls off. The nurses will give them a bath soon after they are born. After that, babies should be only given sponge baths until their circumcision heals (if required) and the umbilical stump falls. 

After Umbilical Stump Fall Off

Once your baby’s umbilical cord falls off, you can start giving them traditional baths. The navel will start to heal itself. However, you still need to be extra careful while bathing them. 

3 to 6 Months

As days go by, the baby’s skin becomes less delicate, which means you can start to wash them more frequently. Since I often went out with my baby, I would always clean them after coming back home. 

Cleaning your baby’s skin does not necessarily mean giving them a bath. You can gently wipe them off with a soft damp cloth and apply moisturizer afterward as needed. During this time, it is still recommended to wash your baby 2 to 3 times a week. 

6 to 12 Months 

Once your baby gets six months old, you can start giving them 3 to 4 baths a week. However, avoid using soap during every bath.

Baby’s skin does not need frequent soap washes. No matter if you are using liquid soap or bar soap for your baby, use them twice a week at max. 

I still focus on cleaning the important parts of my baby’s body every day and only give them a proper soapy wash twice a week. Concentrate on cleaning the face, hands, feet, and folds of the body, e.g., groin, knee crease, elbow crease, and neck, every day. 

You can also wash your baby with plain water and wipe them dry or give them sponge baths if they get dirty between weekly washes. Never forget to apply moisturizer while their body is still damp, and avoid using lotions and creams with fragrance and dye. 

What Do You Need To Wash An Infant

Newborns, especially during the first couple of weeks, are given sponge baths rather than the traditional wash. Regardless of which method you choose to clean up your baby, there are some must-haves that you need to have to get your baby cleaned up.  

Starting from the water temperature to having the perfect bathing tools, taking your baby to the shower needs a lot of preparation. During my first baby, I was genuinely scared of taking care of the little fragile body of my newborn. 

But with the help of my doctor, several parenting videos, and books, I managed to understand the do’s and don’ts of bath time. Here is what to keep in handy before taking your infant for a wash. 

Lukewarm Water

Always use lukewarm water for your baby’s bath. Make sure that the water is not too hot or too cold. You can dip your elbow to check the temperature.

If you feel that the water got too hot or cold, take your baby out of the tub and slowly add more hot/cold water to adjust the temperature. Exposing your baby directly to higher or lower temperatures will damage the sensitive skin barrier of your baby. 

Washcloth and Soap 

Baby skin does not require harsh exfoliation. You do not need to use sharp or granulated bath products to clean their skin. Use a soft washcloth and fragrance-free, mild baby soap for cleaning. 

You can use head-to-toe washes or specific body soap and shampoo for your baby. If your baby has any skin concerns, consult your doctor about which type of bath products can be used. 

I had always chosen bath products that were pH-balanced, hypoallergenic, and free from soap, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol. I was highly satisfied with the Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo. 

It is a two-in-one product that was mild for my baby’s skin and left their skin clean, hydrated, and smooth. Another product I love for my babies is Just Hatched Sleepy Baby Wash. It is a gel-based body wash with a mild and gentle formula that suits both my babies’ skin. 

Bathtub 

Go for a small bathtub specifically for your baby rather than using the full-size bathtub. You can also fill your bathroom sink to wash your baby as an alternative. 

Bath Bed

I have found baby bath beds very useful. As I had no helping hand at home to assist during my baby’s bath time, I was able to keep them safe in the bath bed. 

Especially during the first new months when babies need extra support for their neck and head, the bath bed came in much handy. 

All I had to do was lay them down in the bath bed and wash them as I wanted.  Bath beds make it easy during sponge baths as well as regular washes. As it is either made of plastic or net, it is lightweight and easy to dry. 

Towel

Use a soft towel to pat dry your baby after they are done bathing. You can use small hand towels as a washcloth as well. Some parents love to add cute details like baby bathrobes, but I have never purchased bathrobes for my babies. 

How To Wash An Infant 

Baby bath time is an enjoyable experience for both parents and children. I have always looked forward to my babies’ wash day and got bath toys for them and made them bubble baths. 

I clicked lots of pictures of my babies in the bath, which I still cherish even today. As joyous and fun baby bath time is, there are certain rules to follow. Here I will explain how you can give your baby both sponge baths and regular baths, as I used to do for my baby. 

How To Do Sponge Bath For Infants

For a sponge bath, you will need a bucket of warm water, a soft washcloth or sponge, and a diaper.

Step 1

Gently and carefully undress your baby and wrap them with a dry towel keeping their diaper on. 

Step 2

Soak the sponge in warm water and rub your baby’s body in a gentle motion. Do not expose the baby’s entire body at once. Clean them part by part, only exposing the area you are cleaning. 

Step 3

Start off by cleaning their face and head. Wipe their head with the damp cloth and move on to the face. Clean one eye at a time and use a fresh side of cloth for each eye. 

Step 4

Concentrate on cleaning the folds of the body (neck, between the fingers, knee crease, elbow crease, ears, behind the ears, armpit), then move on to clean the diaper area. Wash the sponge every time you move onto different parts of the body. 

Step 5

After you are done, remove the diaper and clean the diaper area thoroughly. Apply diaper cream and change them into a new diaper. 

How To Wash An Infant

For a proper wash for your baby, you will need a sink or bathtub full of warm water, a washcloth, mild baby soap/shampoo, a towel, and a diaper. 

Step 1

The first step for washing and sponge bath is the same. You need to undress your little bundle of joy keeping and wrap them in a soft towel. 

Step 2

You can place a non-slip bath bed in the bathtub and gently put your baby in the water, feet first. Remember to never put your baby’s whole body into the water all at once. 

Step 3

Instead of submerging your baby entirely in the water, you can use a small bucket to put water on their whole body.

After that, you can either clean their body (head first) with plain water and washcloth or use mild soap. Using too much soap on your baby’s delicate skin will damage their skin barrier. Choose a mild, fragrance-free, dye-free soap and use it once or twice a week. 

Step 4

Always clean your baby, starting from the head and then working your way downward. After you are done, clean the diaper area with care ensuring there are no spots left. 

Warp your baby in a warm, dry towel immediately after they are done bathing. Dry their head properly, especially if they have hair. 

Step 5

Then move on to moisturizing. This was my favorite thing to do in the whole world. Massage your baby with a good quality moisturizer. Use a sufficient amount to cover their whole body perfectly. 

I love using the Aveeno Baby Daily Moisturizing Cream for my baby. It is enriched coconut oil and shea butter which keeps my baby’s skin soft and moisturized even during New York winters. 

Step 6

Even if you are using moisturizers, using a nappy cream is important before putting on your baby’s diaper to avoid the risk of nappy rashes or irritation. 

I used the Matys Multipurpose Baby Ointment and Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment alternatively for my baby. 

After that, put on their diaper and outfit of the day. If you are staying home, go for cotton onesies. However, your baby needs extra protection and layers during colder days or if they are going out. This article might help:

What To Keep In Mind While Washing An Infant

Although bathing is a part of a baby’s regular routine there are certain things to take care of before hopping on to it. Make sure your baby is not getting overstimulated or it doesn’t clash with their other activities. Here is what to keep in mind while washing your infant. 

Have a Consistent Wash Routine

No matter if you are wiping your baby clean or giving them a proper wash, do it everyday at the same time. Create a daily cleansing routine and stick to it.

Having a consistent routine helps to keep your baby’s mood and health in good shape. They will understand what to expect next and it also helps them in their mental and physical growth. 

When Not To Take Your Baby To Wash

You should never take your baby to the bath when they are hungry or just fed. Sleepy babies shouldn’t be bathed as well. Apart from having a consistent bath routine, babies should be fed and slept in punctual time.

They should have particular play time as well and none should overlap the other. If your baby starts to cry during bath, stop what you are doing and pacify them first.

It is important to soothe a crying baby before you do anything. 

I have always gone for morning baths rather than evening baths, and it worked well for us. I felt it woke my baby and prepared them for the day. Also, the morning bath helps clean the diaper area nicely after the whole night of wearing diapers. 

Washing Your Baby In Winter

Your baby has to be washed all year long. However, you need to be extra careful during winter. Make sure that the water is at an optimal temperature, and so is the bathroom. Keep windows closed and do not extend their bathing time.

Keep dry towels within your reach to wrap your baby immediately after the wash. Use milder products with moisturizing benefits and moisturize them after the bath as well and also dress them appropriately after the bath.

Apart from the weekly washing, babies need to get cleaned every day to prevent dirt buildup even during winter. It is essential to clean important parts of your baby’s body to keep them clean and healthy. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bathe my baby daily?

No, it is not recommended to wash babies every day. Babies starting from birth until they are 6 to 12 months old should be washed two or three times a week. 

2. Is it necessary to bathe my baby in winter when it’s cold?

Bathing is essential for babies, even in winter, to maintain their overall well-being. Regular washing will keep your baby away from germs and keep them safe from infections and diseases. 

3. What are the signs that my baby needs a bath more frequently?

If your baby spits up or there is any diaper occurrence or leakage, a sponge bath should be enough to clean them up. However, if you live in a humid area or see sweat and odor, soiled skin, or your baby has any specific skin condition, more frequent baths might be needed.  

4. How should I clean my baby between baths?

I have always cleaned my babies with soft damp cloth focusing on the face, hands, feet, and folds of the body. I did this every day instead of bathing. You can use a damp washcloth or sponge to clean your baby between baths. 

5. What is the best time of day to bathe my infant?

There is no particular time that all parents follow to bathe their infant. Some parents love to bathe their babies before bed to help them sleep better. Others love to clean up in the morning for a fresh start. 

6. Can I use regular soap and shampoo for my baby’s bath?

No, you should never use regular soap and shampoo for your baby. Use specifically formulated baby bath products to keep your baby’s skin soft and healthy. 

7. What should be the ideal water temperature for my baby’s bath?

The water temperature of your baby’s bath should be around 38 degrees Celsius or 100° Fahrenheit. 

8. How long should I keep my baby in the bath?

You should not extend your baby’s bath time. 5 to 10 minutes of bathing is enough for your infant to get cleaned. 

Conclusion

Although many rules and formulas circulate online regarding how often you should wash an infant, you should always do what’s best for your baby. You should prepare a bathing routine depending on the weather where you live and your baby’s skin condition. 

Remember to never use harsh products for your baby and also avoid washing your baby every day. You can always clean your baby using a damp washcloth if they get dirty. 

Consult with your doctor if your baby has any skin condition that needs to be addressed, and use prescribed bath products. Enjoy bath time with your little one, and make lots of memories because these moments pass too fast.

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