A treasured moment for many parents is bathing their newborn. With no other distractions, it's a perfect opportunity to bond while your small new family member savors the feel of warm water on their skin. But concerns about when and how to do it correctly are commonly associated with this routine parenting practice, leading to worry at times.

When should you first bathe a newborn?

Over the past few years, there has been a change in the time of your baby's first bath. Although most hospitals used to bathe newborns within an hour or two of delivery, several are now modifying their protocols.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against giving a baby a bath until at least six hours after delivery, or waiting for 24 hours if a full day isn't feasible due to cultural traditions.

How often do babies need a bath once they are home?

Daily bathing is not necessary for newborns. They don't regularly perspire or get filthy enough to require a thorough bath.

For the first year of life, a newborn may only need three baths a week. Frequent bathing may cause the skin of your newborn to become dry.

Can my baby have a bath before the umbilical cord falls off?

Give your baby sponge baths just until the umbilical cord stump falls off, which normally occurs by the time the baby is one or two weeks old. If it persists after that point, there can be more serious problems. If, by the time the infant is two months old, the cord has not dried out and fallen off, take the child to the doctor.

How to give a baby a sponge bath

A sponge bath is like a regular bath, except you don't put your baby in the water.

Baby sponge bath safety tips:

• Prepare your materials before you start. Before you start, have a dry towel, a basin of water, a damp washcloth that has been rinsed in soapy water, and anything else you might need close at hand;
• Place the infant on a level surface that is convenient for you both, such as a floor, counter next to the sink, bed, or changing table. Use a soft blanket or fluffy towel to cushion rough surfaces. To prevent falls, always use a safety strap or maintain contact with your infant if they are on a surface higher than the floor;
• Start washing baby's face first. Use the dampened cloth to wash their face, being careful not to get water into their eyes or mouth. Then, dip it in the basin of water before washing the rest of their body and, finally, the diaper area;
• Keep baby warm. During the sponge bath, wrap your baby in a dry towel and uncover only the parts of their body you are actively washing. Pay special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck and, especially with a girl, in the genital area.

When is my baby ready for a regular bath?

After your baby's umbilical cord heals, you may try putting them straight into the water. The initial baths they take should be as short and mild as possible. They might make a small protest. If this occurs, return to sponge baths for a couple of weeks and then give the bath another shot. When a baby is ready, they usually tell you.