|Baby Bath, Top and Toe Cleaning & Umbilical Cord Care

Bathing Your Newborn Baby

Bath time is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby. It can be a calm and relaxing experience for both of you, but it can also feel a little daunting at first. With a little practice, you’ll soon become more confident.

The good news is that newborn babies do **not** need a bath every day. During the first few weeks, 2 to 3 baths each week are enough to keep your baby clean. On the days in between, you can simply clean your baby’s face, neck, hands and nappy area using a “top and toe” wash.

Before you start

Have everything you need ready before undressing your baby.

You will need:

* A baby bath, basin or clean sink
* Warm water (about 36°C)
* Towels
* A clean nappy
* Clean clothes
* Cotton wool

For babies under 1 month, the HSE recommends using plain water only. Soap, shampoo and other bath products are not needed and may irritate your baby’s delicate skin.

Choose a time when your baby is calm and not too hungry or too tired. It’s best not to bathe your baby immediately after a feed.

How to Bathe Your Baby

Prepare the Room

Babies lose heat quickly, so make sure the room is warm and free from draughts before you begin.

Fill the bath with enough water to cover your baby’s tummy when lying down (about 8 to 10 cm of water). Always add the cold water first, then the warm water, and mix it well before checking the temperature with your elbow or a bath thermometer.

Washing Your Baby

1. Hold your baby securely and wash their face first.
2. Wash their hair if needed and gently dry their head.
3. Remove the nappy and clean their bottom.
4. Support your baby’s head and neck as you slowly lower them into the bath.
5. Keep one hand supporting your baby’s head and shoulders while using your other hand to gently wash their body.
6. Pay particular attention to the skin folds around the neck, under the arms and around the groin.
7. Lift your baby out carefully, wrap them immediately in a towel and dry them thoroughly, especially in the skin folds.

Top and Toe Cleaning

On days when you’re not giving your baby a bath, a top and toe wash is all that’s needed.

You’ll need a bowl of warm water, cotton wool and a clean towel.

Clean the “Top”

Using a fresh piece of damp cotton wool for each area:

* Wash your baby’s face.
* Clean each eye separately, wiping from the inner corner outwards.
* Wipe around the mouth and nose.
* Gently clean around the ears (never put cotton buds inside the ears).
* Clean the neck folds where milk can collect.
* Wash the hands and dry them well.

Clean the “Toe”

Remove your baby’s nappy and use fresh warm water and cotton wool to gently clean:

* The genital area
* Around the bottom
* Between the skin folds

Dry the area carefully before putting on a clean nappy.

If your baby has a dirty nappy, always change the water before washing their face and upper body.

Looking After the Umbilical Cord Stump

After birth, your baby’s umbilical cord is cut, leaving a small stump attached to their tummy.

The stump usually falls off by itself **within 5 to 15 days**.

Until then:

* Wash your hands before and after touching the cord.
* Keep the cord clean and dry.
* If needed, gently clean around the base with cotton wool and cooled boiled water.
* Fold the front of the nappy down below the stump so it stays exposed to the air.
* Check the area at each nappy change for any redness or discharge.

Once the stump has fallen off, continue to keep the area clean and dry until the belly button has completely healed.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Contact your midwife, public health nurse or GP if you notice:

* Redness spreading around the belly button
* Pus or unpleasant-smelling discharge
* Persistent bleeding from the cord stump
* Your baby develops a fever or seems unwell

These may be signs of an infection and should be assessed promptly.

Bath Time Safety

Your baby’s safety is the most important part of bath time.

Always remember:

* Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second.
* Keep one hand on your baby at all times.
* Never add hot water while your baby is in the bath.
* Empty the bath immediately after use.
* Keep towels and clothing within easy reach before you begin.

Key Points

* Newborns only need 2 to 3 baths each week.
* Use **plain water only** for babies under 1 month.
* Clean your baby’s face, neck, hands and nappy area daily using a top and toe wash.
* Keep the umbilical cord stump clean, dry and exposed to the air until it falls off naturally.
* Never leave your baby unattended during bath time.
* Speak to your midwife, public health nurse or GP if you notice redness, discharge or bleeding around the umbilical cord.