How to Bathe a Newborn

Giving your baby their first bath is daunting for most new parents. Not to worry, with a little guidance and some practice, this routine can be one you look forward to.
Experts from Helping Hands Doula walk you through all the steps to washing your newborn. From setting up your bath station with the necessities, to clean baby in your arms.
Comment below with any of your questions + any videos you would like to see from pregnancy to new baby care!

[@Sina-yz7kc]

I am 8 months of pregnant with my first baby boy and this is really helpful for me, thank you.

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

You’re welcome 😊

[@kimshawwrites]

Thank you for this! I was worried to bathe my baby alone, but this will be perfect for me ❤️ Great video!

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MarcoCaravaggio]

Great info & demonstration.

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Thanks for watching!

[@millennialodyssey5956]

Wash baby hair last as it will keep baby warm longer.

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Yes! Thank you! Keep in mind this baby is already a few weeks old. What we like to do for the first bath is a swaddle bath. Wash the baby's hair first, dry, and place a hat on all while you are holding the baby swaddled. Then move onto cleaning the body. Keep in mind we used the trick of heating this space first to make sure that baby was happy and warm the entire time.

[@sharanyaapathumudihalambi7768]

Very helpful video ! Could you provide information on the tub you used on this video appreciate it 🙂

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

I believe it is the Summer Infant Right Height Bath!

[@karabomohlala7257]

Lol my baby can never be this calm when being bathed how I wish

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

It may be helpful to try a swaddle bath!

[@chucksmith6609]

New dad here in 2 months. Wife knows how to take care of baby and I an clueless. But been watching a lot of videos on you tube. I don’t want her to have to do it all. Do you have any links for clueless dads like me. By March I will be a pro 😀

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Best advice to give it keep asking questions and support from others around you. Definitely subscribe to our videos for more tips and tricks!

[@TheLucila123]

You are too cute and such a good dad! Good luck

[@Bedoyyk55]

You sound like a great father already!! And congrats if you’ve had your baby already :)

[@MadsB_]

Hope things are going well for you guys!

[@natekrieger5741]

What Specific Brand of Diaper is Used on the Beautiful Baby?!

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Oh I am not sure. It was quite a while ago that this was filmed.

[@natekrieger5741]

@@HelpingHandsDoula That’s ok. Thx tho.

[@jisoochoi8861]

Shouldnt the baby be rinsed in clean water after being in soap water?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

You can absolutely use separate water for rinsing. Baby soap is so gentle, with the amount that is used, the water dilutes it enough to be able to use the tub water for rinsing.

[@andydrew010101]

The first bath with your baby is like self administered torture, make no mistake; you will feel like a horrible person.

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Awww I'm sorry that was your experience. We do find that keeping the space warm and using tricks like a swaddle in the bath, extra towels and warm facecloths help tremendously. Another way of easing into a happy bath experience is using skin-to-skin with a parent with co-bathing.

[@izusgal4128]

I believe you should wash the hair last. Baby will be less cold

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

You absolutely can! Placing a hat on the head after baby's hair has been cleaned works well too. One of the tricks we find REALLY helpful is heating the space first. Using a space heater, having an adult take a shower in the bathroom, or do the bath in the kitchen after the oven has been warming all work too!

[@smileysameksha1539]

Can we go tub bath when baby is two months old

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Absolutely! As long as you feel comfortable supporting your baby's airway. Many of our clients decide to go directly to the kitchen sink rather than purchasing a newborn bath.

[@janiceli5113]

Can you just tell about the temperature of water please

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

It should be comfortable for you to dip your wrist or elbow in.

[@kikikiki3216]

Omg what do I do if baby starts having hiccups? Growing up I was encouraged to drink water for hiccups but you can't just give a little baby water

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

That is correct. You can't give a baby water until after they start eating solid food. Babies have hiccups often in the beginning of life as their diaphragm is becoming stronger. While not proven through scientific studies, some parents try gripe water. If this is something you are considering, talk to your health care provider if this is right for your baby.

[@kikikiki3216]

@@HelpingHandsDoula OK thank you

[@feelmyfly]

At what temperature the water should be?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

An ideal temperature for the bath would be between 37-38 degrees celsius. Not everyone has a thermometer handy, and some of the baths that have a thermometer built in may not be accurate for the entire water volume. We always recommend to first test the water with your elbow to make sure that the water feels warm and is never hot. Hope that helps!

[@janinedear-barlow]

Hiccups

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Are you asking about what to do about hiccups? They actually do not bother newborns like they do in adults. Best thing is to soothe them and help them to relax so the diaphragm relaxes into its normal rhythm again.

[@yeww2631]

What if your baby has the umbilical on her still?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

When the cord is still attached you can do a swaddle bath, sponge bath or make sure that the water level is below the belly button. Focus is to keep it dry until it has fully healed.

[@shanchalaniron4638]

Should you bathe baby with umbilical cord?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

If the umbilical cord is still attached, its best to keep it dry and give baby a sponge bath.

[@clefac6421]

Wait..so assuming the baby bum still have poo or pee residue and you put him straight to the tub and used the same water he's sitting in to his head.. that's a little eww and unsafe. Shouldn't you be washing the head and face first?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

While we didn't mention this explicitly, yes, you want to remove the diaper they are wearing and clean that area with a wipe if it is dirty before bringing them into clean water.