Bathing

Sponge bathing before the cord falls off

Until the umbilical stump falls off (usually 1 to 3 weeks) and any circumcision has healed, the baby gets sponge baths only. Every 2 to 3 days is plenty, plus daily face, neck-fold and diaper-area cleaning.

Watch: How to sponge bathe a newbornUniversity Medical Center newborn education library · J. Alvarez, RN, IBCLC

Step 1 of 5 · Overhead view

Setup

Illustrated frame placeholder

Every supply in one arm's reach, towel spread on a flat safe surface.

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

·Towel (plus a hooded towel)
·Washcloth, and a second one for the face
·Clean diaper
·Clean clothing
·Mild fragrance-free cleanser if needed
·Basin or infant tub
·Cord-care supplies if instructed
·Everything within arm's reach

Safety warnings

Do not submerge the baby or the cord stump in water.
Never step away, even to grab a forgotten towel.
Room warm, doors and windows closed. Newborns chill fast.

Before you start

0 of 8 ready

Step by step

1Warm the room and lay every item out within arm's reach before you undress the baby.
2Fill a basin with a few inches of warm water, about 100F (38C). Test on your inner wrist.
3Lay the baby on a padded, flat, safe surface with a towel underneath. Keep one hand on them.
4Undress only the part you are washing and keep the rest covered with a towel to prevent chilling.
5Face first with plain water: eyes inner to outer corner, a clean corner of cloth per eye. Outer ears only.
6Neck folds, under the chin and behind the ears, where milk collects. Pat dry immediately.
7Chest, arms, hands, then legs, keeping covered areas covered as you move.
8Diaper area last. Girls: wipe front to back. Uncircumcised boys: do not retract the foreskin.
9Leave the cord stump dry. If it gets wet, pat it dry and fold the diaper below it.
10Dress and swaddle or hold skin-to-skin right away to rewarm.

Common mistakes

Filling the tub and only then realizing the towel is in the other room
Washing the diaper area before the face with the same cloth
Leaving neck folds damp, which causes irritation
Bathing daily out of habit

How do I know I am doing this correctly?

The baby stays calm and warm, not shivering or mottled
The whole bath takes 5 to 10 minutes
Skin folds are dry to the touch afterwards
The cord stump stayed dry

When to stop and seek help

· Cord stump is red, swollen, foul-smelling or oozing pus
· Circumcision site bleeds more than a few drops
· Baby feels cold, is mottled, or becomes limp or unusually sleepy
· Rectal temperature of 100.4F (38C) or higher under 3 months: emergency

Call emergency services Call healthcare provider

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?

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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.