“How soon can you give a newborn a tub bath?”

The umbilical cord has to be off and healed before the baby can be immersed in water

After the cord has dried up and fallen off and is well healed, then a tub bath is acceptable.

Babies don't really need tub baths because they're not doing things that get them dirty! Tub bathing is stressful for an infant and the harsh soaps and water can remove the natural oils on their skin and dry it out. However, bathing is cultural and parents like to do it. Be sure to wait until your infant is gaining weight and otherwise demonstrating s/he has adapted to life outside of the womb. The belly button must be completely dried/healed over and, if you had your infant son circumcised, be sure that, too is fully healed. Your pediatrician will tell you at your 2-week visit if it's safe for you to bathe your baby, and provide other instructions. Remember, NEVER turn your back on your infant in the bathtub, even for a second!

Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP

Sponge bath is ok until umbilical stump falls off, then may bathe. This is to keep the umbilical stump dry.