{"id":1700,"date":"2019-02-11T23:06:00","date_gmt":"2019-02-11T23:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/?p=1700"},"modified":"2026-04-23T20:49:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T20:49:49","slug":"your-first-night-home-baby-questions-about-newborn-diapering-and-bathing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2019\/02\/11\/your-first-night-home-baby-questions-about-newborn-diapering-and-bathing\/","title":{"rendered":"Your First Night Home: Newborn Diapering and Bathing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Newborns should have at least one wet diaper per day of life in the first week: one on day one, two on day two, and so on up to 6 or more by day 6. After the first week, 6 to 10 wet diapers per day is normal. Here is everything you need to know about newborn diapering and bathing.

updated April 2026 <\/em> – Your First Night Home: Newborn Diapering and Bathing includes our night nanny and doula team’s answers to FAQ’s about clothing, bathing and circumcision care when transitioning your newborn from hospital to home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"newborn<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Newborn Diaper Chart: What to Expect in the First Week<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Day 1 (0\u201324 hours after birth)<\/strong> Wet diapers: 1\u20132 Bowel movements: First BM usually occurs within 8 hours of birth Texture and color: Thick, tarry, and black (meconium)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 2<\/strong> Wet diapers: 2 Bowel movements: 3 Texture and color: Thick, tarry, and black (meconium)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 3<\/strong> Wet diapers: 5\u20136 with disposable diapers, 6\u20138 with cloth diapers Bowel movements: 3 Texture and color: Looser and greenish to yellow \u2014 color may vary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 4<\/strong> Wet diapers: 6 Bowel movements: 3 Texture and color: Soft, watery, and yellow<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 5<\/strong> Wet diapers: 6 Bowel movements: 3 Texture and color: Loose, seedy, and yellow<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 6<\/strong> Wet diapers: 6 Bowel movements: 3 Texture and color: Loose, seedy, and yellow<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 7<\/strong> Wet diapers: 6 Bowel movements: 3 Texture and color: Larger amounts of loose, seedy, and yellow<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your First Night Home: Newborn Diapering and Bathing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bathing FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Should I bathe my baby every day?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Babies don’t need to be fully bathed everyday. Their skin is sensitive and can dry out a lot faster than adults. It’s best to give baby a sponge bath <\/a>their first week or two. Making sure to get in their rolls and in between their fingers and toes. You would be surprised how much lint collects in fingers and toes! Once your newborn’s umbilical stump has fallen out and heals up, it’s okay to give baby a full bath.  Babies do not need to be bathed more than 3 times a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What temperature should my baby’s bath water be? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newborns and infants should be bathed in warm water, not too hot. \u00a0Test the water with your wrist, not your hand. Also, babies’ bodies lose heat quicker than adults so keep bath time brief to avoid chills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What kind of soap should I use on my baby?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warm water is just fine for bathing newborns.  If you do use soaps, lotions or oils be sure they are non-toxic and infant safe so baby’s skin does not dry out or become irritated.  Avoid a scented soap or bubble bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What time of day should I bathe my Newborn?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no wrong answer to what time of day is best to bathe your baby but giving a bath as part of the bedtime routine can be a soothing way to wind down for sleep. There’s a reason why we often hear that babies enjoy “bath, bottle, books and then bed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Diapering FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How often do I change my baby\u2019s diaper?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is best to change baby\u2019s diaper every time you feed your newborn. Try to change your baby before feeding them. If you change their diaper immediately after feeding, they might spit up because laying horizontal can cause distress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I care for my newborn son’s circumcision? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your male baby was circumcised, you were probably instructed to use petroleum jelly and gauze at each diaper change. When bathing, stick to sponge baths only and use unscented soap and warm water.  If you notice any continuous bleeding, trouble urinating, fever, or swelling, call your pediatrician immediately. The circumcision should heal in about seven to ten days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I use baby wipes on a newborn?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many doctors and newborn care professionals suggest using warm water and a clean washcloth to wipe at each diaper change.  Others say it is fine to use disposable wipes on newborns, as long as they are the unscented type.  The important thing is to be sure that baby is completely dry before putting on diaper creams or vaseline.  It is also fine to let your baby go diaper-free for 10-20 minutes (or longer if you’re okay with it) to allow the diaper area to stay dry.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I Cloth Diaper?<\/strong>
Cloth diapers are less expensive than disposables and have less environmental impact but many families feel that disposable diapers win on convenience. Read our roundup of Cloth and Hybrid Diapers<\/a> to learn if cloth diapering is right for your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I prevent diaper rash?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n