How often to bathe a newborn? Less than you’d think.

“Newborns don't need a bath every day. They rarely sweat or get dirty enough to need a full bath that often. Three baths per week during baby's first year may be enough. Bathing more frequently can dry out your baby's skin.” American Academy of Pediatrics

“You don't need to bathe your baby every day. You may prefer to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom instead. This is often called "topping and tailing".” NHS

“You do not need to bathe your newborn every day – 2 or 3 times a week should be fine.” NHS Best Start in Life

“Newborns need a bath only 2-3 times a week. A ‘top and tail’ on other days is fine. ... Check that the water temperature is safe. It should be 37-38°C.” Raising Children Network

“Only give your newborn sponge baths until the stump of the umbilical cord falls off, which usually happens by about one or two weeks of age.” American Academy of Pediatrics

“A sponge bath is like a regular bath, except you don't put your baby in the water. ... Once the umbilical area is healed, you can try placing your baby directly in the water. Their first baths should be as gentle and brief as possible.” American Academy of Pediatrics

“The umbilical cord stump should dry and fall off by the time your baby is 3 weeks old. If it is still there beyond that time, a doctor's visit is needed.” American Academy of Pediatrics

“By the time you are home from the hospital, your baby’s cord will have started to dry. It should fall off within 1 to 3 weeks. Until then, you should keep it clean and dry. ... Bathing your baby is an important part of keeping them healthy, however, you don’t need to bathe your baby every day. A wash with a warm, wet cloth will help keep your baby clean between baths.” Canadian Paediatric Society

“You only need to wash around your baby's umbilical cord if it's dirty with pee or poo. Clean the area with fresh cotton wool and warm water, and gently pat dry with a towel.” NHS

“The water should be warm, not hot. Run the cold water first and then add hot water. Check it with your wrist or elbow and mix it well so there are no hot patches.” NHS

“You do not need to use any liquid cleansers – plain water is best for your baby's skin in the first month. ... To check this, dip your elbow into the bath water and it should feel the same as your body temperature.” NHS Best Start in Life

“The AAP recommends that the hottest temperature at the faucet should be no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help avoid burns.” American Academy of Pediatrics

“About 5-10 minutes is long enough for a newborn bath.” Raising Children Network