Since the early 1900s, it was standard practice for midwives and nurses to bathe newborn babies in the first couple of hours after birth. However, recent research suggests that delaying the first bath may actually be more beneficial to your baby’s health and even your relationship.

So what are the reasons for holding off on the first bath for a day or two?

The waxy coating, known as vernix caseosa, that covers your baby’s body after birth provides a natural moisturiser and cleanser that protects against infection and helps their skin adapt to the new environment. We should therefore avoid washing it away.

Delaying the first bath increases the rate of successful breastfeeding. This is due to the preservation of the amniotic fluid on your baby, the smell of which is comparable to that of the breast.

Babies aren’t born dirty, so they won’t come out of the womb needing a bath.

With thinner skin, babies aren’t as adept at regulating their body temperature. With this in mind, it’s easy for them to get too cold before, during, or after a bath, creating a potentially stressful experience.

Bathing hinders the postnatal skin-to-skin bonding between mother and infant and prolongs the newborn’s separation from their mother.

So why, when there are so many supposed benefits, is it that some babies are bathed before the 24-hour mark?

Why do some midwives and parents wash their babies within the first few hours?

Some people believe that bathing the baby after birth helps to protect them from airborne bacteria.

Some religions and cultures dictate an early cleansing post-birth.

If the mother has some kind of transmitted illness, bathing protects the baby and anyone who comes into contact with it.

However, if the mother doesn’t have a transmittable disease, the World Health Organisation recommends delaying the first bath for at least 24 hours, and at least 6 if cultural factors mandate an earlier cleansing.

So, how can I use this information to make a decision?

Given that babies aren’t generally born unclean and in fact enter the world with natural protection against contamination or infection, we suggest that you follow the World Health Organisation’s advice and hold off on the first bath for at least 24 hours. This will allow for immediate bonding, which will improve breastfeeding and prevent any unnecessary stress for your baby.

And if postponing the first bath makes you feel a little nervous, you can take a wet cloth and wipe around the neck and nappy area before having your first cuddle with your newborn!

When should my baby have their first bath?

From Unii’s Newborn Journey, we share when your baby should have their first bath.