The first time you hold your baby in water, it’s not just a bath.
It’s a moment of trust. Their tiny hands curling. Their eyes blinking at this new world. And your own hands unsure, a little shaky trying to do everything right.

At Maternite, we’ve seen hundreds of new parents ask the same question:
“How do I bathe my baby safely at home?”

Let’s walk you through it calmly and simply.

Start with the timing, not the water

For the first week or two, babies don’t need a full bath every day. A gentle sponge clean is enough until the umbilical cord stump falls off.

Once your doctor gives you the go-ahead, you can begin a newborn baby daily care routine that includes a warm water bath 3–4 times a week and daily once your baby adjusts.
Choose a time when your baby is calm, awake, and not too hungry or full  usually late morning is perfect.

Step-by-step guide to bathing your baby

Here’s exactly how to bathe a baby step by step, safely and confidently:

• Create a warm, quiet space. Use a room without fans or wind, and keep the towel, clothes, and wipes ready.
• Check the water. It should feel warm, not hot, test it on your wrist.
• Hold your baby gently. Support the head and neck with one hand, and the body with the other.
• Start with the face. Use a clean cloth dipped in plain water to wipe the eyes, face, and neck creases.
• Shampoo softly (optional). Use a coin-sized amount of baby shampoo only 2–3 times a week. Rinse slowly over the forehead.
• Wash the body. Use gentle circular motions clean underarms, thighs, behind ears, and between fingers and toes.
• Dry immediately. Pat, don’t rub. Focus on skin folds and the back of the neck.
• Dress quickly and cuddle. Babies feel cold fast. Wrap them in a towel, hold them close, and smile.

Your baby doesn’t need to be scrubbed. They need to be held, gently touched, and reassured.

Add a little tradition: Homemade massage oil

Before the bath, many Indian families use homemade massage oil for newborn baby care. And when done right, it’s soothing and beneficial.
You can try:
Warm coconut oil in summer
Mustard oil with a pinch of garlic or ajwain in winter
Almond oil for dry skin

Massage gently for 10–15 minutes before the bath. Avoid forceful pulling or kneading it’s not about muscle-building, it’s about bonding.

Always check with your paediatrician or gynaecologist if your baby has sensitive skin or rashes.

What if you’re still unsure?

That’s completely okay. Every new mom has felt nervous before the first bath. At Maternite, we often do the first few baths for new moms in the hospital and teach them how to do it at home.

If you want, you can come in for a baby care demonstration or even video consult your paediatrician to check your routine.

You’re not alone in this. Your confidence will grow with every gentle splash and every quiet giggle.

Final words

A bath is more than hygiene. It’s warmth. Routine. A moment of calm in a chaotic day.
Your baby won’t remember the perfect temperature but they’ll remember how safe they felt in your arms.

And if you need a little help we’re here. Reach out to the best gynaecologist doctor in Jaipur or our neonatal care team at Maternite. Let’s make this journey soft, safe, and memorable one bath at a time.