Daily bathing of newborns may dry their skin and is unnecessary. Newborn babies don’t get very dirty, except for the diaper area which you can clean at each diaper change. Until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off, only a sponge bath is needed. After that, two or three baths a week are plenty.
Have a regular time for bathing your baby. The room should be warm, with no drafts. Keep bathing supplies together to saves steps. You can bathe your baby in a small tub containing comfortably warm water no more than 3 inches deep. Check the temperature of the water with your elbow before placing your baby in it. NEVER turn your back for even an instant while your baby is in the tub.
Use a mild soap and warm water to wash the baby’s body. Powders and lotions are not necessary, but if you use a baby lotion, use one that is free of perfumes. Avoid cornstarch or baby powders. To prevent diaper rash, apply a barrier cream such as Desitin or Triple Paste.
Trim your baby’s fingernails carefully once or twice a week.