Baby's First Bath: How to Give a Sponge Bath

Bathtime can be a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby! There are three basic techniques: sponge bathing, submersion bathing, and co-bathing. Most doctors recommend starting with sponge bathing before baby's umbilical stump has fallen off, so that's where we'll start as well. And to be fair, this is just one way to sponge bathe a baby, but it's a great start!

Before the bath

Since you're not fully submerging your child in water, you can create a little nest out of towels on a clean, flat surface or in a dry infant tub (also placed on a safe, flat surface!). You'll need one hand on them at all times during the bath, so you'll want to gather all your supplies before you start! Here's what you'll need:

a change of clothes

a clean diaper

1-2 washcloths

mild baby soap

a basin, bowl, or sink of warm water within reach

2 towels – one to wrap your baby in now, and another for drying at the end

Optional: cotton balls

Bathing your babe

Undress your baby and wrap them in a towel, then place them on your chosen surface. Starting from the top and working down, wash their face with just water– no soap– using either your cotton balls or your clean washcloth. Don't forget behind the ears!

After their face, work your way down. Keeping them warm throughout the process is important! You can unwrap one limb from the towel at a time, wash with some soap then wipe again with just a wet washcloth. Little crevices like under their arms and between their fingers get surprisingly dirty, so be on the lookout.

Wash gently around the umbilical stump, making sure to keep it dry. If you accidentally get it wet, gently pat dry with a towel.

Save their diaper area for last. If your son is circumcised, wash with just water until it heals (about a week to 10 days). And you have a daughter or a circumcised son, remember: wash front to back!

When all is clean and soap is wiped off, wrap them in a dry towel and give them a snuggle! Then it's time to re-dress in a fresh diaper and comfy clothes. Congrats! You just bathed your baby for the first time :)