How long after vaccination should a 3-month-old baby wait before bathing?

A 3-month-old baby can take a bath 24–48 hours after receiving a vaccination.

Vaccines are administered via injection, introducing the vaccine into the body through a needle. Consequently, a small puncture wound (needle mark) remains at the injection site. To prevent infection before this puncture wound heals, it is recommended to wait 24–48 hours—until the site has fully closed—before bathing the baby.

After vaccination, the injection site may become red or swollen. Do not rub or massage the area with your fingers, as this could introduce bacteria from your hands and lead to infection of the unhealed puncture wound. If infection occurs, the baby may develop symptoms such as fever; in such cases, prompt evaluation by a pediatrician is essential—do not administer medications indiscriminately.

After vaccination, the baby should remain under observation at the clinic for a period of time before leaving. This allows healthcare providers to monitor for signs of allergic reaction or other adverse effects related to the vaccine. Additionally, avoid feeding the baby spicy or irritating foods following vaccination.