The first weeks with a newborn can bring loving advice from relatives alongside many questions: When should the baby have a bath? Is daily oil massage necessary? Should a newborn sleep on the side? The first 40 days are a familiar family milestone, but they are not a medical rule that replaces check-ups. This guide focuses on practical care during the first six weeks, when warmth, feeding, safe sleep and timely health checks matter most.
For a healthy, full-term newborn, delay the first bath for at least 24 hours after birth; gentle massage may be considered but is optional; and place the baby on their back for every sleep on a firm, flat, clear surface. Babies born early, unwell or with specific health needs may need individual advice from their clinical team.
What the first 40 days mean
Many families observe special routines or limit outings during the first 40 days. Families can adapt customs in ways that are safe and supportive; there is no universal medical requirement for a particular 40-day confinement routine. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes postnatal care across the first six weeks and recommends follow-up contacts after birth, including around days 3, 7–14 and 6 weeks. WHO postnatal care recommendations.
Make a plan for follow-up with the baby's healthcare provider before leaving the birth facility, or promptly after a home birth. Ask about feeding, weight, jaundice, screening, cord care and any local immunisation or follow-up schedule relevant to your baby. WHO newborn care guidance also advises keeping the baby and mother together where possible, supporting feeding on demand, washing hands before handling the baby and keeping the cord dry without applying products. WHO: Caring for a newborn.
Bathing a newborn
When to give the first bath
For a healthy, term newborn, WHO recommends delaying the first bath for at least 24 hours after birth. If that is not possible for cultural reasons, its guidance says to delay it for at least six hours. The recommendation helps avoid unnecessary heat loss soon after birth. WHO newborn care recommendations and evidence.
After the first bath, daily bathing is not essential for every baby. Follow the maternity or clinician's advice, and clean areas such as the face, neck folds and nappy area as needed. Until the cord stump falls off and heals, follow the care instructions given by your healthcare provider; WHO recommends clean, dry cord care for routine situations. Do not apply oil, powder, ointment, herbal mixtures or other substances to the cord unless a clinician specifically advises it.
Making bath time safer
- Prepare a warm room, a stable bathing place, clean clothes and a towel before undressing the baby.
- Use comfortably warm water and check it before the baby goes in. Keep one hand supporting the baby and never leave them unattended, even briefly.
- Keep the bath short, dry the baby promptly and dress them warmly. Avoid overheating; dress for the room and weather.
- If bathing feels difficult, use a warm damp cloth for a gentle wipe and ask a midwife, nurse or doctor to demonstrate a safe approach.
Example 1: In a Bengaluru apartment during a cooler or rainy spell, a parent may choose a quick wipe-down rather than a full bath if the room is chilly. The priority is keeping the newborn warm and clean, not completing a daily bathing ritual.
Newborn massage: optional, gentle and responsive
Massage is not a requirement for bonding, growth or good parenting. WHO says gentle whole-body massage may be considered for healthy, term newborns for possible growth and developmental benefits, while noting that the supporting evidence is low to very low certainty. That means possible benefits have been reported, but the evidence does not justify promising a particular outcome for an individual baby. WHO recommendation on newborn massage.
If you choose massage, ask a healthcare professional to show you a gentle technique, especially if the baby was premature, has a medical condition, has sensitive or broken skin, or is not gaining weight as expected. Use calm hands, light pressure and a comfortable room. Stop if the baby seems distressed, becomes cold, or their skin becomes irritated. There is no need to use oil. If using any product, seek advice first and keep it away from the baby's eyes, mouth, hands and cord stump. Avoid forceful rubbing, stretching or pressure on the head, joints and soft spots.
Example 2: In a joint-family home, grandparents may offer to massage the baby after a bath. Parents can agree on a simple shared rule: only a person shown the gentle technique does it, the baby stays warm, and the massage stops as soon as the baby shows discomfort.
Sleep routines and safe sleep
Newborn sleep is often broken into short stretches, with feeding and settling at different times. A strict timetable is not needed in the first weeks. Respond to feeding cues and ask your baby's clinician if you have concerns about feeding, wakefulness or weight. A calm, repeatable sequence—such as feeding, changing and settling—may help caregivers coordinate, but it should not delay feeds or override clinical advice.
For every sleep, place the baby on their back. Use a firm, flat, separate sleep surface, such as a suitable cot or bassinet, with a fitted sheet and no pillows, loose blankets, soft toys or other soft items. Keep the sleep space near the caregiver's bed where possible. Avoid leaving the baby to sleep on a sofa, armchair or adult bed, and do not cover the baby's head or let them get too hot. The American Academy of Pediatrics sets out these safe-sleep recommendations for infants. AAP safe-sleep guidance.
In Indian homes, a mosquito net may be useful where mosquitoes are a concern, but make sure it is securely arranged and cannot fall onto the baby or obstruct breathing. Do not use a pillow to prop the baby on their side. If relatives or a caregiver help settle the baby, show them the same sleep setup and explain that the baby goes down on their back for naps as well as nighttime sleep.
Everyday care and family coordination
- Wash hands with soap and water before handling the newborn, especially after using the toilet or changing a nappy.
- Keep the baby comfortably warm, while checking for signs of overheating such as a hot chest or sweating.
- Follow the feeding plan agreed with your healthcare provider and ask for help if feeding is difficult.
- Keep a written note of appointments, questions, medicines prescribed by a clinician and emergency contact details.
- Agree with family members and any caregiver on handwashing, feeding cues, safe sleep, cord care and who to call if the baby seems unwell.
Practical checklist
- Arrange newborn follow-up and keep the recommended appointments.
- Delay the first bath for at least 24 hours when possible, and keep bathing warm, brief and supervised.
- Keep the cord clean and dry; do not apply products unless a clinician directs you.
- Treat massage as optional. If you choose it, use a gentle, responsive approach and stop if the baby is uncomfortable.
- Put the baby on their back for every sleep on a firm, flat, clear sleep surface.
- Make sure everyone caring for the newborn knows the same feeding, hygiene, sleep and emergency plan.
Exceptions and when this does not apply
This general guide is not a personalised care plan. Premature or low-birth-weight babies, babies who are unwell, and newborns with specific skin, feeding, temperature or other medical concerns may need different bathing, massage, warmth and sleep instructions. Follow the baby's clinician rather than adapting advice meant for healthy, term newborns. If a family custom conflicts with a clinician's safety advice, discuss the concern with the clinician and look for a safe alternative that respects the family's needs.
When to seek professional help
Seek urgent medical assessment if a newborn is not feeding well, has fast or difficult breathing, severe chest indrawing, convulsions, unusually little movement or is difficult to wake, or has a concerning temperature. WHO guidance identifies a temperature above 37.5°C or below 35.5°C, jaundice in the first 24 hours, or yellow palms and soles at any age as danger signs requiring assessment. Do not wait for a routine appointment if a danger sign appears. WHO postnatal care: newborn danger signs and follow-up.
Contact your baby's healthcare provider for advice about feeding difficulties, worsening jaundice, cord redness or discharge, or any change that worries you. If the baby appears seriously unwell or is struggling to breathe, seek emergency care.
Frequently asked questions
Does a newborn need a bath every day?
Not necessarily. Daily bathing is not essential for every newborn. Follow your clinician's advice, keep the baby clean as needed and take care to avoid chilling during bathing.
Can I massage my baby with mustard oil?
This guide cannot confirm that a particular oil is suitable for every baby. Massage itself is optional, and WHO's possible-benefit recommendation is based on low- to very-low-certainty evidence. Ask a clinician before applying an oil, particularly if the baby has skin irritation or a medical concern, and keep products off the cord stump.
Should a newborn sleep on the side after feeding?
For sleep, place the baby on their back, not on the side. If feeding or reflux raises concerns, ask the baby's healthcare provider for advice rather than using a pillow or positioner.
Is a strict sleep routine needed in the first 40 days?
No strict schedule is needed for every newborn. A gentle sequence can help caregivers coordinate, but feeding cues and the baby's individual clinical plan come first.
Is the first 40-day period medically required?
No single 40-day routine applies to every family. It can be a meaningful cultural or family practice, but it does not replace postnatal checks or medical advice during the first six weeks.
When should we schedule newborn check-ups?
Follow the schedule provided by your maternity team or local clinician. WHO recommends postnatal contacts after birth, including around day 3, days 7–14 and six weeks; individual needs may require more frequent care.
Conclusion
In the first weeks, keep care simple: arrange follow-up, protect the baby from chilling, keep cord care clean and dry, treat massage as optional, and use a safe sleep space every time. Share these basics with everyone helping at home, and ask a healthcare professional whenever your baby's needs do not fit general guidance.
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Related reading
This article is general information for families in India. It is not a medical diagnosis. Follow your paediatrician’s advice for your child.