Newborns: Sponge Bath Techniques

Bathing Your Newborn

Once the umbilical cord and or circumcision have fully healed, you can transition your baby to the baby bath tub. As this is a new experience for your baby, allow her ample time to become used to the transition.

The same principle applies to the frequency of bathing, Simply use your best judgement when it comes to your baby's hygiene.

Baby's First Bath

Your baby's first bath in the hospital will be a sponge bath. However,during the first few weeks your newborn will require care for circumcision (if applicable) or the umbilical cord until the stump heals and falls off. Thereafter you will be able to give your baby a full bath in a bathtub.
Just about any time of the day is fine for bathtime, although just before bedtime can be quite soothing and relaxing. By establishing a bathing routine you will help your baby become used to bathtime and this is the perfect time to bond with your baby.
As well you can allow other family members to have an opportunity to bathe the baby as well, this can give you a little much needed rest time too!

The bath station:

Adequate preparation is essential and will help make the ordeal go more smoothly.
Some newborns will enjoy a nice warm bath right from the beginning, and there are some that will dislike it and cry during the entire bath. To reassure her, talk to her or sing her a song !
The Bath Station:
You will need the following:
2 washcloths
hooded towel
baby soap & shampoo
cotton balls *cleanse eyes*
alcohol pads *cleanse umbilical cord*
clean diaper & clothing

Begin by selecting a room in the house that is warm and draft free. Turn off any fans or air conditioners as well.
Step By Step
Starting from the top to the bottom
1. Head: use a pea size of baby shampoo and rub in a circular motion, and rinse thoroughly.
2. Face: moisten sterile cotton balls with clean warm water and use to cleanse the eyes. You should wipe from the inner corner of the eye and wipe outward to remove any debris. You need a clean cotton ball for each eye. Use a damp cloth with only water and wipe the rest of the face and ears. *Remember to never use a q-tip or anything to clean inside the ear.
3. Neck: gently tilt baby's head and be sure to clean the neck creases and folds where formula tends to drip to.
4. Arms & torso: Extend each arm and wash entire arm, between the creases, pay extra attention to the hands by opening each one and washing between those tiny fingers! Then wash/wipe the chest area, *avoid excess water to prevent wetting the umbilical area*.
5. Legs: Extend each leg and wash between the creases, wash each foot and between all tiny toes too!
6. Back: wash,wipe the entire back area
7. Diaper area: this should be the very last area to wash.

You should avoid washing the umbilical area until it is fully healed, simply wipe with a alcohol pad only, this area should not be in contact with any water.

Bath Tips:
Keep your baby warm during bathtime by undressing in sections. Undress only the part of the body that you are washing at that time. Many newborns ideally dislike the feeling of being disrobed, so this is a way to help her to feel more secure during bathtime.Keep the diaper on until the very end, this can help prevent any accidents!


Bath Safety Tips:

• Prevent your baby from being scaled by setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub for even 1 second.

• Avoid any distractions like the telephone or the doorbell, if you have someone else in the home, let them take care of that. Keep your focus on the baby!