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How to bathe a newborn: sponge baths first, then a safe tub bath
Sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off, then about 2 inches of warm water: what the AAP and MedlinePlus advise for newborn baths.
Published: 31/10/2026 · Expert review: 06/11/2026
In short
- Give your newborn sponge baths only until the umbilical cord stump falls off, usually by one or two weeks of age.
- For the first tub baths, use about 2 inches of water that feels warm, not hot, to the inside of your wrist or elbow.
- Never leave a baby alone in the bath, not even for a few seconds.
- Three baths a week during the first year may be enough.
General Information: General information only; it may vary from child to child. Talk to your doctor or a specialist before making decisions.
Your baby is ten days old, the cord stump is still there, and the question is simple: “Can I put her in the water yet?”
Not yet. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises sponge baths only until the stump falls off, usually by one or two weeks of age; after that, a short tub bath in about 2 inches of warm water.
Before the stump falls off: how to give a sponge bath
A sponge bath is like a regular bath, except your baby never goes into the water. Before you begin, set out a basin of water, a damp washcloth rinsed in soap-free water and a dry towel, so everything is within reach.
Sponge bath, face to diaper
-
Lay baby down safely
Use a flat surface that is comfortable for both of you and pad hard surfaces with a blanket or fluffy towel. If the surface is above the floor, keep one hand on your baby.
-
Keep baby wrapped
Wrap your baby in a dry towel and uncover only the part you are washing.
-
Start with the face
Wipe the face with the damp cloth, careful not to get water in the eyes or mouth.
-
Then the body, diaper area last
Dip the cloth in the basin and wash the rest of the body, finishing with the diaper area.
-
Keep the stump dry
Clean around the stump with gauze and water only, then dry your baby and dress them warmly.
Talking your baby through it helps you both: “Now your hands, then the warm towel.” Umbilical cord care is mostly about leaving the stump alone so it can dry and fall off naturally.
The first tub baths, step by step
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, as cited by the AAP, recommends a hard plastic baby bathtub with a sloped, textured surface or sling so your baby doesn't slide. Fill the basin with 2 inches of water that feels warm, not hot, to the inside of your wrist or elbow. Keep the first baths gentle and brief.
- Get ready: Have a towel and everything else you need within reach before you undress your baby.
- In feet first: Support your baby's head with one hand and guide them into the water feet first with the other.
- Wash: Use warm, not hot, water and wash your baby's head last so it does not get too cold.
- Out and wrapped: Lift your baby into the towel right away and dry the skin folds well.
Never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for an instant.
If the doorbell rings, it can wait. A short script helps: “We're in the bath, I'll be right there.” And if you share bath time with a partner: “You hold the towel, I'll check the water.”
| Don't | Instead |
|---|---|
| Step away to grab something or answer the phone | Wrap baby in the towel and take them with you |
| Leave the faucet running or add hot water with baby in the tub | Fill the tub first, then test the water |
| Use a bath seat in an adult tub as a "helper" | Keep your hands on your baby; a seat does not replace supervision |
| Leave the stump damp after washing | Pat it dry and leave it open to the air |
Water, frequency and safety: US guidance at a glance
| Question | What US guidance says |
|---|---|
| Before the stump falls off | Sponge baths only (AAP, MedlinePlus) |
| How much water | About 2 inches in a baby tub |
| How warm | Warm, not hot, to the inside of your wrist or elbow |
| Water heater | Set below 120°F to prevent burns |
| How often | Three baths per week during the first year may be enough |
| Supervision | Never alone around water, not even for a few seconds |
MedlinePlus notes that most drowning deaths in children happen at home, often when a child is left alone in the bathroom. A baby who is 3 months old and loves the water still needs the same rule: an adult within arm's reach the whole time.
When to call the pediatrician about the cord stump
A stump that dries and falls off by 5 to 15 days of age is typical. Call your baby's provider if you see any of the signs on the left.
| Call your baby's provider if | Normal |
|---|---|
| Foul-smelling, yellow drainage from the stump | The stump drying and falling off by 5 to 15 days of age |
| Redness, swelling or tenderness of the skin around the stump | A stump left to fall off on its own, cleaned with gauze and water only |
| The stump keeps bleeding, or has not fallen off by 4 weeks | Going back to sponge baths for a week or two if baby dislikes the tub |
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) advises contacting your baby's provider immediately if the cord stump continues to bleed. In an emergency, call 911.
For more everyday care in the first weeks, see our baby care basics articles, and the 0–12 months guide for what this stage brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises sponge baths only until the stump falls off, which usually happens by about one or two weeks of age. MedlinePlus also says not to put your baby in a tub of water until the stump has fallen off.
Daily baths are not needed: the AAP says three baths per week during the first year may be enough. Keep the first baths gentle and brief.
MedlinePlus says the stump should dry and fall off by the time a baby is 5 to 15 days old. If it has not fallen off by 4 weeks, contact your baby's provider.
Use water that feels warm, not hot, to the inside of your wrist or elbow, about 2 inches deep. To help prevent burns, keep your water heater set below 120°F.
Each child needs an adult within arm's reach at all times. In the first weeks, a newborn bathes in a baby tub or basin on its own, with one of your hands always supporting the head.
References & Further Reading
Based on 3 sourcesOur editorial standards
Expert Note
This article is general information; premature or hospitalized babies may need different care. Ask your pediatrician what is right for your baby.
Yonca Büyük AYDİNÇ
Preschool Teacher & Child Development Specialist
General Information: This content offers general information based on expert sources. Every child, family and situation is different, so what is described here may vary from person to person. Talk to your doctor or a qualified specialist before making decisions about your child.
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