Sponge Bathing Your Baby

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

• Bathing your baby without putting him in a bathtub is called a sponge bath. Sponge bathe your baby for the first few weeks after he is born. Sponge bathe your baby until his umbilical (um-BIL-i-kal) cord falls off, and the area heals. If your baby boy was circumcised (SER-kum-sized), sponge bathe him until his circumcision has healed. Then, you may begin tub bathing your baby.
  
  
• If you keep your baby's diaper area (his bottom) clean, he may only need two or three baths per week. Too much bathing can dry out your baby's delicate skin. Every baby reacts differently to a bath. Some babies are quiet, while most will cry or kick during the bath. Sponge bathe your baby gently and in less than ten minutes. Otherwise, your baby could get cold from being wet. In time, your baby will get used to being unclothed, having wet skin, and being handled during his bath.

How do I give my baby a sponge bath?

• Prepare a flat surface for the bath. Place a thick towel or blanket on a surface like your baby's changing table or a floor, bed, or countertop. The room should be warm and free of drafts (cold breezes). To prevent drafts in the room, close the windows and turn off fans.
  
  
• Gather your supplies. Put everything within easy reach so you will not need to leave baby's side during the bath.
  
  
  • Warm water and a clean, plastic basin or tub, or the sink.
    
    
  • Mild soap and shampoo. Baby soap and shampoo are best to use.
    
    
  • Clean washcloths and towels.
    
    
  • Clean diaper and clothes.
    
    
  • Baby nail clippers.
  
  
• Check the water temperature. Always test the water temperature before your baby's bath. Drip some water onto your wrist or inner arm. The water should feel warm, not hot on your skin. If you measure the water temperature with a bath thermometer, it should be 90° to 100° F (32.3° C to 37.8° C). Keep your household hot water heater set to less than 120 °F (48.9 °C).
  
  
• Wash your baby's face first. Wash baby's face and behind his ears using a wet washcloth and no soap. Use shampoo to wash baby's hair if needed. Dry your baby's head well before continuing on with the bath. This will keep your baby from getting too cold. Next, use soap and water to wash the rest of his body. Always wash baby's diaper area last. Clean inside all of baby's skin skin folds, such as armpits and the diaper area where there are rolls of fat. Rinse your baby's skin well and wrap him in a towel.
  
  
• Never leave your baby alone while sponge bathing him, not even for a few minutes. If you must leave the room, wrap your baby in a towel and take him with you.
  
  
• Care for your baby's umbilical cord stump after the sponge bath. The umbilical cord stump comes out of your baby's belly button. The umbilical cord connected you and your baby before your baby was born. Keep your baby's umbilical cord stump clean and dry until it falls off. Some caregivers may suggest using alcohol and a cotton swab to clean your baby's umbilical cord. Other caregivers may suggest letting the cord air-dry instead of using alcohol. Ask your caregiver how you should care for your baby's umbilical cord.
  
  
• Call your baby's caregiver if: Your baby develops a rash that is spreading or will not go away. Also call if your baby has a birthmark that is getting bigger.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your baby's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about sponge bathing your baby. You can then discuss other options with your baby's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care will be used to treat your baby. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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