The recommended time to bathe a newborn for the first time is to delay the full bath until at least 24 hours after birth, or ideally around 1 to 2 weeks. Experts including the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend waiting at least 24 hours—and at least 6 hours if a full day isn't possible—to reduce risks of hypothermia, low blood sugar, and to support bonding and breastfeeding. Many also advise waiting until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the navel is fully healed before giving tub baths, which can take about 1 to 2 weeks. During this initial period, sponge baths with a warm washcloth are recommended to keep the baby clean without irritating the skin or the healing cord area. Bathing newborns two to three times per week after the first couple of weeks is usually sufficient to keep them clean without drying out their delicate skin.