Is It Safe to Bathe Your Newborn in Tap Water? Absolutely! Here’s Why.
One of the most common questions new parents ask is: Is it safe to put my baby in unfiltered bathwater? The short answer? Yes! In fact, early exposure to the bath can be an essential step in helping your baby feel comfortable and confident in the water.
We guide parents in introducing their babies to the water right from the start, using bath time as an opportunity to build essential swim skills. Bathing your newborn in tap water is not just safe—it’s encouraged!
Why Bath Time Not Only Safe, but Beneficial for Your Baby
Tap water in most developed countries, meets strict safety standards and is perfectly fine for bathing your baby. While some parents worry about chlorine, minerals, or other elements in the water, rest assured that normal exposure to these is not harmful to your little one’s skin. We encourage you to check out your local water advisories if you are worried about the water in your area. If your baby has particularly sensitive skin, you can take simple steps—like using a gentle baby moisturizer after the bath—to keep their skin hydrated.
Best Practices for Bathing Your Newborn
If you are feeling nervous about putting your baby in the water, ensure your baby’s safety and comfort during bath time, consider the following guidelines:
Water Temperature: Check the water temperature before placing your baby in the bath. Aim for a temperature around 100°F (38°C) to prevent scalding or chilling. (Reference : Mayo Clinic)
Bathing Frequency: Newborns don’t require daily baths. Bathing your baby three times a week during the first year is typically sufficient and helps prevent skin dryness. (Reference : HealthyChildren.org)
Umbilical Cord Care: Until the umbilical cord stump falls off (usually within one to two weeks after birth), it’s advisable to give your newborn sponge baths instead of submersion baths to keep the area dry and promote healing. (Reference : HealthyChildren.org)
Skin Sensitivity: If your baby has particularly sensitive skin or a history of skin conditions, consult your pediatrician for personalized advice. They may recommend specific bathing practices or water treatments to ensure your baby’s comfort and health. (Scroll down in this article to see some ingredients we encourage you to look out for!)
Beyond safety, bath time is actually a key part of early water familiarity, which can make future swimming experiences more enjoyable. Research shows that newborns are born with something called the mammalian dive reflex, a natural instinct that allows them to hold their breath and adapt to water. We discuss this in more detail in our article
The Importance of Early Water Familiarity
From the very first bath, babies are experiencing and learning about water. Here’s why that’s a good thing:
✅ Comfort & Confidence – Regular baths help babies get used to the feeling of water on their skin, preparing them for future swimming experiences.
✅ Gentle Skill Building – We teach parents simple bath-time techniques that introduce floating, breath control, and comfort in the water—all in a stress-free environment.
✅ A Soothing Routine – Bath time can be a wonderful bonding experience and can help calm babies before sleep.
✅ Supports Future Swimming Success – Babies who are comfortable in the bath often transition more easily to the pool, where they can build on their natural reflexes to develop early swim skills.
How to Use Bath Time to Support Early Swim Skills
Instead of just seeing the bath as a place to get clean, you can use it as a learning space for gentle water exploration! Here’s how:
🌊 Encourage Face & Head Wetting – It is perfectly safe to get your babies face & head wet with bath water! Use a cup or your hands to gently pour water over your baby’s head. This helps them get used to water on their face, making future swimming lessons easier.
🌊 Let Them Float – Support your baby under their back and let them experience the gentle buoyancy of water. This mimics the floating skills we introduce in our swim programs.
🌊 Practice Breath Control Cues – A simple phrase like “1, 2, 3, water” before trickling water on their head can start teaching them to anticipate and close their mouth—one of the first steps in breath control for swimming.
🌊 Make It Fun! – Sing songs, play with bath toys, and keep the experience light and enjoyable. Babies learn best through positive, playful interactions.
Safe Bath Products for Babies: What to Look For
While tap water itself is safe, the products you use during bath time can make a difference in keeping your baby’s skin healthy and irritation-free. Here are some gentle, baby-friendly ingredients to look for when choosing bath products:
🛁 Coconut Oil & Sunflower Oil – These natural moisturizers help hydrate and protect delicate skin.
🛁 Aloe Vera – Known for its soothing properties, aloe can help prevent dryness and irritation.
🛁 Calendula Extract – A natural anti-inflammatory that helps calm sensitive skin.
🛁 Chamomile Extract – Gentle and calming, chamomile can help reduce redness and soothe the skin.
🛁 Glycerin (Vegetable-Based) – A mild, skin-friendly humectant that helps retain moisture.
🛁 Mild, Plant-Based Surfactants – Look for gentle cleansers like coco-glucoside or decyl glucoside instead of harsh sulfates.
🚫 Ingredients to Avoid: Avoid harsh soaps or shampoos containing sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and alcohol, as these can dry out or irritate baby skin.
If your baby has particularly sensitive skin, consider fragrance-free or hypoallergenic formulas to minimize the risk of irritation.
Bath Time = The First Step Toward a Confident Swimmer
So, to all the parents wondering if bath water is safe for their baby—not only is it safe, but it’s also a valuable tool for early water comfort and skill-building.
In our lessons, we encourage parents to use bath time as a foundation for future swimming success. If you’re interested in learning more about teaching your baby to swim, check out our online classes designed specifically for parents of infants and toddlers!
Happy bathing! 🌊💕
