Baby checklists
Birth and the first weeks
First Bath at Home Checklist
18 items · 17 must-haves · Baby's weeks 0–1
General info, not medical advice. Your OB, midwife or pediatrician knows your situation; check with them. Learn more about our medical disclaimer
Step-by-step guide to baby's first bath - all the supplies and steps to do it safely and calmly
Supplies
- Baby tub or sink insertPACKA contoured infant tub with a sling insert supports the head and keeps baby from sliding. The kitchen sink with an insert also works great.
- 2 hooded towelsPACKOne to wrap baby in immediately, one as backup if the first gets wet during the process. Hooded towels keep the head warm.
- 3 soft washclothsPACKOne for face, one for body, one spare. Baby-specific washcloths are softer than regular ones.
- Tear-free baby soap and shampooPACKFragrance-free, hypoallergenic. You only need a tiny amount - a pea-sized drop for the whole body. Less is more with newborn skin.
- Cotton balls for eye and face cleaningOPTIONALPACKDampen with warm water and wipe each eye from inner corner outward. Use a fresh cotton ball for each eye.
- Fresh diaper and clean outfit readyPACKHave these laid out and unfolded before you start the bath. Wet naked babies get cold fast - speed matters.
Before Bath
- Check room temperature is 72-75°FBabies lose body heat fast when wet. Close windows, turn up the heat if needed. A warm room prevents shivering and crying.
- Test water temperature at 98-100°FUse a bath thermometer or your elbow - it should feel warm, not hot. Wrist testing is unreliable. 100°F max, always.
- Gather everything within arm's reach before startingSoap, towels, washcloths, diaper, clothes - all within one arm's length. You can never, ever leave baby unattended in water. Not for one second.
Umbilical Cord Care
- Sponge bath only until the cord stump falls offNo submerging in water until the umbilical cord falls off (usually 1-3 weeks). Use a damp washcloth for sponge baths instead.
- Keep the cord stump dryPat around it, never scrub it. Let it air dry after sponge baths. It'll look gross and crusty - that's normal.
- Fold diaper below the cord stumpFold the front of the diaper down so it doesn't rub or trap moisture against the cord. Some newborn diapers have a cord cutout.
Bath Steps
- Wash face first with a damp cloth onlyNo soap on the face. Wipe eyes, nose, ears, then cheeks and chin with a warm damp washcloth. Do this before getting the body wet.
- Support head and neck at all timesYour forearm under the head, hand gripping the far armpit. This is the football hold - practice it before bath day.
- Wash scalp gently with fingertipsSoft circular motions with a tiny amount of baby shampoo. Don't worry about the soft spot - it's tougher than it looks.
- Work top to bottom, front to backNeck, chest, arms, hands, belly, legs, feet, then diaper area last. This keeps the cleanest areas from getting contaminated.
After Bath
- Have a warm towel ready to wrap immediatelyWrap baby in the hooded towel the second they come out. Pat dry, don't rub. Pay special attention to skin folds - neck, armpits, thighs.
- Diaper and dress baby quicklyMoisturize with fragrance-free lotion if skin is dry, then diaper and dress fast. The whole process from water to clothed should be under 2 minutes.
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