Bathing
Hair, skin folds and the diaper area
Most day-to-day newborn cleaning is not a bath at all: it is hair, neck and thigh folds, and the diaper area. This is where irritation actually starts.
Open the fold
Illustrated frame placeholder
One finger opens the neck crease so you can actually reach it.
Transcript and media source
Full transcript available. Placeholder media for the prototype; production media is sourced only from hospitals, university medical centers, government health agencies, professional medical organizations and certified lactation professionals.
Reviewing clinician: R. Okafor, MSN, RN · Reviewed 2026-05-14 · Captions available
Supplies needed
- ·Soft washcloth
- ·Warm water
- ·Mild fragrance-free cleanser (optional)
- ·Soft brush for cradle cap
- ·Barrier cream
Safety warnings
- Do not retract the foreskin of an uncircumcised baby.
- Protect a healing circumcision: warm water only, plus petroleum jelly on gauze if instructed.
- Never use cotton swabs inside ears or nose.
Step by step
- 1Hair: wet the scalp with a cupped hand, a drop of cleanser once or twice a week, rinse gently, pat dry.
- 2Cradle cap: soften with a little plain oil if your pediatrician approves, brush gently. Never pick.
- 3Neck folds: open the fold with one finger, wipe with a damp cloth, then dry completely.
- 4Armpits and thigh creases: same routine. Trapped milk, sweat and lint cause most rashes.
- 5Girls: wipe front to back only. Do not clean inside the labia; white discharge is normal.
- 6Uncircumcised boys: wash the outside of the penis only, no retraction.
- 7Circumcised and healing: rinse with warm water, pat dry, apply petroleum jelly as instructed until healed.
- 8Dry fully, then apply a thin barrier cream at the diaper area if the skin is pink.
Common mistakes
- Applying cream over damp skin
- Scrubbing cradle cap flakes
- Retracting the foreskin
- Using scented wipes on broken skin
How do I know I am doing this correctly?
- Folds are dry and non-red
- Diaper area heals within a couple of days
- No cracking or weeping skin
When to stop and seek help
- · Rash that is bright red with satellite spots, or blistering
- · Circumcision site with active bleeding, swelling, pus or no urination in 8 hours
- · Foul-smelling or bloody discharge
This app provides education and decision support. It cannot rule out a medical emergency.
Finish this tutorial
How confident do you feel doing this on your own?
Clinical review
- Author
- Partnered Postpartum clinical content team
- Reviewer
- R. Okafor, MSN, RN · Registered Nurse
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-14
- Next review
- 2027-05-14
- Version
- 1.2
- Applies to
- United States and Canada
Evidence sources
- · American Academy of Pediatrics, Caring for Your Baby and Young Child
- · AWHONN postpartum and newborn care standards
- · NHS newborn care guidance
Version history
- · 1.0 initial publication
- · 1.1 cord-care wording aligned to AAP
- · 1.2 added safety-check steps
This app provides education and decision support. It cannot rule out a medical emergency.
This app provides education and decision support. It cannot rule out a medical emergency.