--- title: "Newborn Hygiene" slug: "bathing-your-baby" updated: 2025-12-24T03:41:37Z published: 2025-12-24T03:41:37Z canonical: "healthhub.cpcmg.net/bathing-your-baby" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://healthhub.cpcmg.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Newborn Hygiene ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/image(57).png) [![Appointment Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1650055438388-1650055438388.png)](/v1/docs/appointments-and-contact-information) [![Care Decision Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1654467115781-1654467115781.png)](https://www.rchsd.org/wait-times/what-type-of-care-does-my-child-need/)

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 This article provides information on different aspects of caring for your newborn including bathing, scalp/haircare, and nail care. ## Bathing your baby ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/newborn-hygiene-image-ah8gxyml.png) - Give your baby **sponge baths** until their umbilical cord has fallen off and is dry. You can use a **soft washcloth and plain water**. Once the cord is off and **healed,** your baby can have a **full bath**. Read more about how to care for your child’s umbilical cord [here](/v1/docs/umbilical-cord-cord-care). - Your baby may only need a bath **every three days** or so. - Baths can be done at **any time of day**. Some families give baths before bedtime to help their baby feel calm and ready to sleep. - Setting up the bath - You can use an infant bathtub placed on a **safe surface** like a counter or bathe your baby in the sing. - Put a **towel or sponge liner on the bottom** of the tub or sink for comfort. - Make sure the room is warm. - Gather all of the supplies you need **before** placing your baby in the bath. - Use only about **3 inches** of water in the tub or sink. - The water should be about **90°F**. It should feel lukewarm when tested with your elbow. - Use only **plain water only or a mild, dye-free, fragrance-free soap**. Be sure to rinse well. **Never leave your baby alone in the bath - even for a few seconds.** ## Hair and Scalp - Use baby shampoo or a **gentle, mild soap once or twice a week.**![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/newborn-hygiene-image-09zncd4l.png) - If you use soap, make sure to keep it away from your baby’s eyes. - **Cradle Cap** - This is an **oily or flaky yellow or brown crust** on your baby’s scalp. - It is very common in newborns. - It usually **goes away on its own**. - You can **gently rub oils** (like coconut, olive, or mineral oils) into the scalp to help loosen the flakes. - Brushing the flakes off can cause hair loss and the flakes usually come back. - If you have questions about cradle cap, please discuss with your child’s primary care provider. ## Nose and Ears - You do **not** need to scrub or dig out earwax or mucous. - Using swabs in your baby’s ears can push the wax deeper and may hurt the ear canal or eardrum. [Learn more about earwax.](/v1/docs/ear-wax-buildup) - It’s best to gently wipe around the outside of the ears and nose with a soft cloth. - If your baby has a stuffy nose, you can use nasal saline drops and suction to get the drainage out ![You Will Need](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/newborn-hygiene-image-5z4hbbao.jpg) Image source: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/suctioning-the-nose-with-a-bulb-syringe ## Body Creases and Genitals - Make sure to **gently clean and dry all of your baby’s skin creases** - under the arms, behind the knees, around the neck, and in the diaper area. - These spots can easily become red or irritated. - **Rinse carefully.** Leftover soap can be irritating. - It is not necessary to clean inside a girl's genital area. Instead, **gently wipe the outside from front to back**, moving from the genitals toward the anus. - **Avoid using soap in the genitals** - plain warm water is best. - Baby wipes are not absolutely necessary; water works just fine. [Check out this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics for more information.](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/A-Word-on-Wipes.aspx) ## Newborn Nail Care - All newborns need to have their nails trimmed. - Even at birth, a newborn’s nails are long enough to scratch their face during a reflexive movement. - **Fingernails** grow quickly and need to be trimmed or smoothed **once a week**. - **Toenails** grow slower and usually only need trimming **once or twice a month**. - Be very **careful** when trimming nails — it’s easy to cut your baby’s **skin** instead of the nail. - Use **special infant nail scissors** or a **nail file**. - Some parents prefer to **file** the nails instead of cutting them. - Newborn nails are very soft, so they might look ingrown, even when they are not. This is only a problem if you see **redness or swelling** around the nail. - [Check out this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics for more information.](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Nails-Nails-Everywhere.aspx) ![The 4 Best Baby Nail Clippers of 2024 | Tested](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/newborn-hygiene-image-mf5jamt1.jpg) Image source: [https://www.babygearlab.com/topics/health-safety/best-baby-nail-clippers](https://www.babygearlab.com/topics/health-safety/best-baby-nail-clippers) Some of the many products available to trim/cut your baby’s nails. Products in this picture are for demonstration/example purposes only. CPCMG does not promote the use of any specific product. This publication was adapted from information from American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education materials. Reviewed by: AM M.D., CPCMG Newborn Committee, AR D.O. | 06/2025 newborn, bath, nail, nails, hair, scalp, cleaning baby, ears, ear wax, diaper, diaper care, cleaning genitals, cradle cap, ear wax, nasal saline, nasal suction, nose, ear, ears, infant care