Bathing Your Newborn and Caring for the Umbilical Cord
A gentle routine for your baby's first weeks.
Before you use this guide: This is general educational information, not an individual medical assessment. We do not identify a clinician reviewer on this page, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor, midwife or paediatrician.
Newborns do not need a bath every day. Two or three times a week is usually enough, with careful cleaning of the face, neck and nappy area in between.
Bath time
- Gather everything first: towel, clean nappy, clothes and mild baby wash.
- Use warm water and test it with your elbow or a thermometer.
- Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a moment.
- Pat the skin dry, especially in the folds of the neck, arms and legs.
Umbilical cord care
- Keep the stump clean and dry and fold the nappy below it.
- It usually falls off within one to three weeks.
- Call your doctor if you notice redness spreading on the skin, a bad smell, pus, or if your baby has a fever.
Trusted resources to read next
These public health resources provide additional information. Guidance can vary by country, so prioritise advice from your own care team and local health service.
- CDC: Helping babies sleep safely — Safe sleep environment recommendations for babies.
- NHS: Early days — Newborn checks, feeding, and support during the first days.
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.