Blog article
Bath time and skincare basics for your newborn
Bath time with your newborn can be one of the sweetest parts of your day – a chance to bond, soothe, and care for their delicate skin.
But it can also come with a lot of questions. What products are safe? Why is their skin peeling? And what’s the deal with baby acne? This guide covers everything you need to know about bath time and baby skin care – from lotions and oils to rashes and remedies.
How often should I bathe my newborn?
Newborns only need a bath 2–3 times a week. Their skin is sensitive, and over-washing can dry it out. However, if they enjoy their baths, there’s nothing wrong with doing it every day!1
If you do choose to only bathe 2-3 times a week, it’s recommended to complete a gentle top-and-tail wash (face, neck, hands, and nappy area) on off days to keep them feeling fresh and clean.1
Step-by-step guide to washing your newborn
Bathing your baby doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a simple step-by-step:1
- Prep the space: Gather everything you’ll need—towel, mild baby cleanser, washcloth, cotton wool, clean clothes, and a fresh nappy. Make sure the room is warm and comfortable.
- Fill the bath: Use just enough warm water (36°C). Test with your wrist or elbow—it should feel warm, not hot.
- Start with the face: Moisten cotton wool or a soft cloth and gently wipe your baby’s eyes, using a clean piece for each eye.
- Lower baby into the bath: Support their head and shoulders with one hand and their body with the other.
- Wash in order: Use a soft cloth to clean their face, then neck and body, and finish with their bottom and genitals.
- Hair care: Splash water on their head once or twice a week. Shampoo isn’t needed unless they have more hair or oily skin.
- Dry and dress: Lift your baby out carefully, pat them dry (especially in skin folds), and dress them warmly.
- Safety first: Never leave your baby alone in the bath. If you need to step away, wrap them in a towel and take them with you.
Common skin concerns for newborns
Newborn skin goes through a lot of changes in the first few weeks. You might notice:2,3,4,12
- Mottled skin (cutis marmorata): A pinkish-blue, lacy pattern that appears when babies are cold. It’s a common and harmless response to temperature changes and usually fades as the skin warms.
- Baby acne: Small pimples on the face, often caused by maternal hormones.
- Nappy rash: Irritation found around the bottom and genitals.
- Heat rash: Tiny red bumps that appear in warm weather or after overheating. Heat rash can be itchy and uncomfortable.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): A common condition that causes dry, red, itchy skin and can flare up due to heat, irritants, or allergens. It’s not contagious and can be managed with moisturisers, steroid creams, and avoiding triggers.
- Cradle cap: Oily, yellow, scaly patches on the scalp (and sometimes in body folds). It’s not itchy or painful and usually clears up on its own. If it doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks or seems inflamed, check in with your GP.
What about newborns and xeroderma?
Often confused with general dry skin, xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare genetic condition that causes extreme sensitivity to sunlight and a high risk of skin cancer. It’s not the same as typical newborn dryness and requires a medical diagnosis.5
Is it normal for newborn skin to peel
Yes. It’s completely normal for your newborn’s skin to peel. Most babies shed the outer layer of their skin within the first 1- weeks after birth. This flaking can happen anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, ankles, and face.6
Peeling is part of a natural process that begins once the protective coating of vernix (which shields the skin in the womb) is wiped away. Babies born closer to or after their due date tend to have less vernix and may peel more than premature babies.6
What if my newborn is peeling around the mouth?
You might notice extra dryness or flakiness on your baby’s face, especially if they’re drooling, spitting up, or exposed to wind or cold air. This is common and usually resolves on its own.6
How to treat peeling newborn skin
If your baby’s skin is peeling or seems dry, apply a thick, non-fragranced moisturiser daily. Creams are more effective than lotions, and you may need to moisturise more often if dryness persists. Avoid moisturisers with food ingredients, botanicals or fragrance, as these can disrupt the skin barrier.1,7
If the peeling doesn’t improve after a few weeks or seems severe, it’s a good idea to check in with your GP or child health nurse.6
Newborn umbilical cord care
After birth, your baby’s umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving a small stump that dries, shrinks and usually falls off within 1-2 weeks. While it’s healing, you might notice some oozing or a mild smell – this is completely normal and nothing to worry about. To care for the stump, it’s recommended to:13,14
- Wash your hands before touching the area.
- Gently clean with water and a soft cloth or cotton pad—no need for antiseptics or creams.
Pat dry and allow the area to air out. - Fold nappies down to avoid covering the stump.
Never pull the stump off, even if it looks ready. - Once the stump falls off, keep the belly button clean and dry.
If you notice redness, swelling, stickiness, or a bad smell – or if the stump hasn’t fallen off after two weeks – check in with your GP or child health nurse.
What bath products are safe to use on my newborn?
When it comes to baby skin, gentle is best. For bath time, stick to:1
- Warm tap water for 5-10 minutes every few days or as needed.
- Mild, soap-free and paraben-free baby cleansers. These can double as gentle shampoos. Avoid products that have fragrance, botanicals, and antibacterial agents, which can irritate newborn skin, including bubble bath.
After bathing, gently pat your baby dry, paying close attention to skin folds. And skip baby powder or talcum powder – it’s not recommended for newborns.7
What about other products like baby oil and hydrocortisone?
- Baby oil: While baby oil can be soothing, many experts recommend waiting until your baby is at least 1 month old before using. It’s always recommended to patch test first and choose fragrance-free options.8
- Hydrocortisone cream: A corticosteroid used to treat skin irritation, hydrocortisone cream is not routinely recommended for babies under 2 years old unless prescribed by a doctor. If prescribed, it should be used sparingly, for no more than 4–5 days, and never under tight-fitting nappies or plastic pants.9
What causes nappy rash?
Nappy rash is a common skin irritation in newborns and young babies, usually appearing in the area covered by a nappy. It can be triggered by several factors, often working together:10
- Prolonged contact with moisture: When a baby’s skin stays wet from wee or dirty from poo, it can break down the skin’s protective barrier. Ammonia and other chemicals in waste can irritate the skin, especially if nappies aren’t changed frequently.
- Friction from nappies: Tight or ill-fitting nappies can rub against the skin, causing irritation and making the rash worse.
- Sensitivity to wipes or detergents: Some babies have delicate skin that reacts to certain soaps, wipes, or laundry detergents. Using products not designed for babies can lead to inflammation.
- Thrush or bacterial infection: Yeast infections like thrush thrive in warm, moist environments like the nappy area. These rashes may appear bright red, cracked, or blistered, and often affect skin folds. Bacterial infections can also cause more severe symptoms.
How to treat nappy rash
The best way to treat nappy rash is to keep your baby’s skin clean, dry, and protected. Some tips to help include:10
- Change your baby’s nappies frequently, ideally at least six times a day and immediately after a poo. This helps reduce exposure to moisture and irritants.
- Give your baby some nappy-free time each day to let their skin breathe and reduce friction.
- When cleaning, use plain water and cotton wool or a gentle baby wash, avoiding wipes that contain alcohol or fragrance, which can worsen irritation.
- Apply a thick layer of barrier cream at each change to protect the skin and help it heal.
If the rash spreads, looks raw, or doesn’t improve after a few days of home care, it’s best to speak to your GP. They can check for infections like thrush or prescribe medicated creams if needed.
Where to go for help
If you’re ever unsure about your baby’s skin, reach out to your GP or child health nurse. They’ll be happy to help.
You can also call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, a national Australian Government service, on 1800 882 436 or use their video call service to speak directly with a maternal child health nurse. This free service is available 7 days a week, from 7am to midnight (AET). You can also call the Healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222, available 24/7.
