How soon after a cesarean section can the baby take a bath?

There is no essential difference in bathing timing between cesarean-born and vaginally-born babies; the key factor is the healing condition of the umbilical stump, and generally, babies can be bathed 1–2 weeks after birth. If the umbilical cord has not yet fallen off or there is discharge, it's recommended to start with a sponge bath, avoiding submerging the umbilical area to prevent infection. Detailed explanations are as follows:

After birth, the baby’s umbilical stump should be kept dry and clean, and it usually falls off naturally within 1–2 weeks. Before it detaches, full-body bathing may wet the umbilical area and lead to infection. Instead, use a warm, damp towel to gently wipe the face, neck, torso, and limbs, carefully avoiding the umbilical region. During sponge baths, movements should be gentle, water temperature should be maintained at 37–40°C, and room temperature should be kept between 24–28°C to prevent the baby from getting cold.

Once the umbilical stump has completely fallen off and the umbilical wound has healed well—without redness, swelling, discharge, or bleeding—it is safe to give the baby a full-body bath. The first bath should not be too long—5 to 10 minutes is ideal. Use a mild, non-irritating baby-specific shampoo or body wash, and make sure to thoroughly dry the baby’s body afterward.

When bathing a cesarean-born baby, prepare all necessary items in advance, such as clothes, towels, and bathing supplies. Always securely support the baby throughout the bath to prevent slipping. After bathing, quickly wrap the baby in a towel to maintain warmth, and gently pat the hair dry with a soft towel.