Can infants take a bath at night?

Sep 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, whether an infant can take a bath at night should be determined based on the infant's condition during the day, the timing of the bath, and subsequent care. It is usually acceptable if the infant is in good spirits, the bath is taken 1–2 hours before bedtime, and proper warmth and moisturizing can be ensured. However, if the infant appears listless or the bath is scheduled close to bedtime, it is not recommended. To ensure the infant's safety and comfort when bathing at night, it is advisable to establish a consistent bathing schedule.

Generally, whether infants can take a bath at night should be determined based on the infant's condition during the day, the timing of the bath, and subsequent care. It is usually acceptable if the infant is in good spirits, the bath is taken 1–2 hours before bedtime, and adequate warmth and moisturization can be ensured. However, if the infant appears listless or it is very close to bedtime, a night bath is not recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the infant is in good spirits during the day without crying or refusing to feed, taking a bath between 7–8 PM in a bathroom preheated to 28–30°C, with water temperature maintained at 38–40°C, followed by promptly drying the body, applying moisturizing lotion, and keeping warm after the bath, this is generally feasible. Nighttime bathing can clean sweat and dirt from the infant's skin surface, help the infant relax, and may even help improve subsequent sleep quality.

If the infant shows signs of listlessness, excessive sleepiness, or mild irritability during the day, or if the bathing time is very close to bedtime, it is not advisable to bathe the infant at night. At such times, the infant's physical strength is weaker, and bathing might increase fatigue. Bathing close to bedtime may also excite the infant, affecting sleep onset.

To ensure the infant's safety and comfort during nighttime bathing, it is recommended to establish a fixed bathing time and avoid frequent changes. Prepare clean clothes, towels, moisturizing lotion, and other items before bathing to minimize the time the infant is exposed after the bath.

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