# How often should I bathe a newborn? | Clever Mum

> Two or three times a week is plenty for the first weeks — more strips their skin’s natural oils. Top-and-tail (face, neck, hands, bottom with cotton wool and

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Newborn & Baby

 
#  How often should I bathe a newborn? 

    
 
Quick answer — How often should I bathe a newborn? 

 
Two or three times a week is plenty for the first weeks — more strips their skin’s natural oils. Top-and-tail (face, neck, hands, bottom with cotton wool and warm water) on the other days. Plain water only for the first month; no need for any products. Never leave a baby alone in water, even for seconds.

   
## Why less is more for newborn skin

Newborn skin is still building its protective barrier, and frequent washing — especially with products — strips the natural oils doing that job. That's why the NHS advises plain water only for around the first month, and why daily baths are unnecessary (though harmless as a routine once skin matures, if your baby enjoys them).

## Top-and-tailing between baths

On non-bath days, clean what actually gets dirty: face and neck creases, hands, and the nappy area, using cotton wool and warm water — a fresh piece for each eye, wiping from the inner corner outward.

## Bath basics

* **Water temperature around 37–38°C** — test with your elbow or a bath thermometer before baby goes in.
* **A few inches of water** is all a newborn needs.
* **Support the head and shoulders** the whole time; a bath support frees a hand but is not a safety device.
* **Never leave a baby alone in water** — not for the doorbell, not for seconds. Take baby with you or skip the interruption.

   
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Health answers describe NHS guidance and are not medical advice — for anything urgent, call
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