Newborn Bathing Support

Helping you feel confident caring for your baby 

Taking your baby home is an exciting milestone, and bonding starts right away. One meaningful way to care for your newborn is through bathing. We know it can feel a little overwhelming at first, but with guidance and practice, you’ll feel more confident with every bath. 

At Banner Health, our care team partners with you from the very beginning to help make your baby’s first bath and early care experiences safe, supportive and stress-free. 

When will my baby have their first bath? 

Banner Health recommends waiting at least 6 hours and up to 24 hours after birth before your baby’s first bath. This timing: 

• Helps your baby maintain a stable body temperature and blood sugar 
• Preserves skin-to-skin bonding time with a parent 
• Protects your baby’s delicate skin and natural moisture barrier 

Your care team will let you decide when that first bath takes place - and we will guide you through it. 

What is swaddle bathing? 

Swaddle bathing is a comforting technique used for your baby’s first bath in the hospital. It is designed to reduce stress and help babies feel snug and secure. 

How it works: 

1. Your newborn is gently wrapped in a blanket 
2. Baby and blanket are immersed in warm water up to the shoulders 
3. Each arm and leg is unwrapped one at a time for gentle cleaning 
4. The blanket keeps baby warm and calm throughout the bath 

Benefits of swaddle bathing 

Research shows that swaddle baths can help: 

• Keep body temperature stable 
• Support healthy glucose and energy levels 
• Reduce crying during the bath 
• Improve overall comfort and bonding 

Many parents enjoy learning this method to continue at home during the first few weeks. 

How often should I bathe my newborn? 

After leaving the hospital, newborns do not need daily baths. Their skin is still developing, and overbathing can lead to dryness. 

General guidance: 

• Sponge baths only while the umbilical cord stump is still attached 
• The cord stump typically falls off within 1–3 weeks 
• Once the stump has healed, you can transition to tub baths 

If the cord has not fallen off by 3 weeks or looks red or swollen, contact your pediatrician. 

Tips for first baths at home 

Your nurse will walk you through bath basics before you go home. To help you feel prepared: 

• Keep the room warm and gather supplies before starting 
• Use warm water, not hot 
• Support your baby’s head and neck 
• Wash gently with mild baby soap, if used at all 
• Always keep one hand on your baby 
• Never leave your baby unattended 

We recommend having a second adult nearby for the first few baths to assist and help you feel comfortable. Here are ten helpful tips for bathing your baby at home. 

Continued support for new parents 

Your Banner care team is here to support you as you adjust to life at home. Our maternity and newborn care services include: 

• Postpartum nursing guidance 
• Breastfeeding and feeding support 
• Newborn safe sleep education 
• Parenting and newborn care classes 

No question is too small - we are here for you at every step. 

Preparing for delivery? 

Schedule a hospital tour, register for childbirth classes or find a Banner OB provider to plan your birth experience with confidence.