How often should I wash my baby?

March 13, 2025

Table of contents:

How often should a baby be washed?
At what age can a baby be washed?
What about washing babies’ hair?
Can my baby be combed yet?
Intimate hygiene - When can the foreskin be pulled back?
How should a baby be washed?
What utensils are needed for washing?
FAQ – We answer your questions

A common question among parents is how often a baby should be washed. Individual opinions and views on topics such as skin care and hygiene can vary greatly, which is entirely legitimate.

How often should a baby be washed?

The general recommendation is: as often as necessary, but as little as possible. It is recommended to bathe your baby once or twice a week. This involves completely submerging the infant in water, which can be stressful on your baby's skin.

In certain situations, it may be necessary to deviate from the recommendation of bathing the baby only once or twice a week. This applies, for example, if your baby has become particularly dirty, for example from a full diaper or vomit. In such cases, a bath is unavoidable. In addition, it is recommended to clean the baby's face and hands with clean water every day, ideally twice a day, as this is less stressful on the skin than a full bath. The intimate area should be cleaned carefully but thoroughly with each diaper change.

At what age can a baby be washed?

In the past, newborns were often bathed in the delivery room immediately after birth. Today, this approach is handled differently and the autonomy of the parents is more respected. Many parents decide individually when the first bath should take place - whether immediately after birth or only after the navel has completely healed . However, a first gentle wash is possible from the first day of life, as dirt can accumulate in skin folds and between the toes and fingers over the course of the day.

Immediately after birth, special attention should be paid to the so-called vernix caseosa . This whitish, creamy substance covers the baby's skin after birth and plays an important role in its health. The vernix protects the newborn's sensitive skin from the amniotic fluid during pregnancy and also has an antibacterial effect. Experts therefore advise not to wash the vernix off immediately, but to give it time to absorb into the skin.

After birth, vernix caseosa supports the newborn's temperature regulation and protects the skin from drying out in the new environment outside the womb. It also acts as a natural barrier against pathogens and helps prevent infections.

What about washing babies’ hair?

There are also different opinions on the subject of hair washing. In principle, washing hair is possible from the first day of life, although some parents only start after a few weeks
In the first few weeks of life, clear water is sufficient for your little darling's scalp. When washing, care should be taken not to put any pressure on the head.

Can my baby be combed yet?

When combing or brushing hair, special care must be taken, especially because of the soft areas on the head (fontanelles). However, with a soft baby brush made of natural hair, combing can become a pleasant massage for the baby.

Intimate hygiene - When can the foreskin be pulled back?

The foreskin should not be carefully pulled back until after the first birthday at the earliest to avoid injury. Until then, the foreskin is often still too tight, which usually loosens on its own as the child grows.

How should a baby be washed?

In the first few weeks of life, clear water is usually sufficient. If the skin is dry, breast milk can be used as a bath additive or a little almond oil. As soon as a more thorough cleaning is required, pH-neutral and, if possible, organic washing lotions, soaps and shampoos should be preferred. A few drops per bathtub or wash basin are sufficient.

What utensils are needed for washing?

In addition to choosing suitable care products, the right accessories are also important. Products made from natural materials such as cotton or a natural sponge are preferable to avoid contact with harmful substances.

In our category "Care & Hygiene" you will find many suitable products for baby care.

In summary, the recommendation is: wash your baby as often as necessary and as rarely as possible. Parents' natural instinct is often the best guide.

FAQ – We answer your questions

How often can you wash your baby with washcloths?

Daily washing with washcloths is no problem for babies from the first day of life.

How long should you wash your baby with water only?

In the first weeks of life, washing with clear water is completely sufficient.

How often is a quick wash sufficient for a baby?

There is nothing to stop you from washing your baby's face and hands every day. If your baby is ill, a quick wash is enough, depending on your baby's general condition.

When can you wash a baby with shampoo?

In principle, you can do without shampoo in the first few weeks of life, even if you use mild products. However, if you want to remove coarse dirt from your baby after birth, you can use special baby care products from the first day of life.

How should you wash your baby with washcloths?

In the first days of life, the
Washing all body regions with light pressure is already possible, preferable
These are textiles made from natural materials, see recommended link.

How often do I need to wash my baby?

That is up to you parents,
From the first day of life, gentle cleansing of the face and
Hands daily makes sense.

When can I wash my baby with soap?

After the first weeks of life,
In theory, a first cleaning with soap is sufficient. However, this can
at any time, even from the first day of life with gentle care products specially
for infants if necessary, for example in case of coarser
Contamination of the baby by vomit or similar.

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