02/24/2026
For decades, babies were bathed within hours of birth. But evidence now shows that waiting at least 12–24 hours, or even longer, has powerful benefits.
Here’s why I encourage families to consider it:
✨ Protects baby’s skin – Your baby is born covered in vernix (that creamy white coating). Vernix is antimicrobial, moisturizing, and helps regulate temperature. It’s nature’s first skin barrier.
✨ Supports breastfeeding – Delaying the bath helps babies stay calm, regulated, and more interested in feeding. Early baths can cause stress and lower body temperature, which may interfere with that first latch.
✨ Improves temperature and blood sugar stability – Skin-to-skin time without interruption helps regulate baby’s body systems far better than early bathing.
✨ Encourages bonding – The golden hours after birth are sacred. Keeping baby on your chest instead of taking them away for a bath protects attachment and oxytocin flow for both mama and baby.
✨ Supports the microbiome – Leaving vernix and amniotic scent intact may support healthy bacterial colonization, which plays a role in immune development.
Your baby is not “dirty.”
Birth is not something that needs to be washed away immediately. 🤎
You can absolutely include this in your birth plan:
“I would like to delay baby’s first bath for at least 24 hours unless medically necessary.”
Empowered mamas make informed choices.
Much love,
Ashley Santos
