[header] How to bathe a newborn [title] Use a sponge bath for the first three weeks. [step] The stump of a newborn's umbilical cord stays attached for up to three weeks. The american academy of pediatricians recommends waiting until the stump falls off before submerging a newborn in water. 
During this time you should stick to sponge baths. [substeps] You do not need to bathe your newborn every day during her first weeks.