Sponge bathing is the safest way to keep your newborn clean until he loses his umbilical cord and his circumcision fully heals within one or two weeks after birth, according to the Children's Hospital Boston. Giving your baby a bath two or three times a week is enough as long as you clean him thoroughly during diaper changes and wipe his face and hands on a regular basis. You can make baths part of his evening routine or bathe him any time during the day except right after he's eaten, which could cause him to spit up.
Step 1
Place all bath supplies next to the sink so you can easily reach them without letting go of your baby. Adjust the thermostat to around 75 degrees F. Fill the sink or a small basin with warm water. Test the water's temperature on the inside of your wrist.
Step 2
Lay a thick towel on the counter and place your baby on it. Undress her down to her diaper, and then wrap her in a hooded towel. Make sure her face isn't covered.
Step 3
Dampen a wash cloth with warm water, and gently wipe your baby's face, behind his ears and in the folds of his neck. Use a cotton swab to clean crevices. Dip two cotton balls in the water then use them to clean the corners of his eyes, if he has discharge. Use one cotton ball for each eye.
Step 4
Clean one area of your baby's body at a time, working your way down from the neck. Uncover the area you are wiping while leaving the rest of your baby swaddled so she won't get cold. Use a small amount of mild soap to clean areas that are sweaty, oily or dirty. Otherwise, plain water is enough to clean her with. Don't get the umbilical cord wet, and follow your pediatrician's instructions on cord care, which might include wiping the area with rubbing alcohol. Rinse with warm water or use a dry, clean wash cloth to wipe off soap.
Step 5
Remove your baby's diaper to clean his genital area with damp cotton balls or a clean part of the wash cloth. Follow any special instructions for circumcision care from your baby's pediatrician. If he hasn't been circumcised, do not pull back the foreskin to clean. If you have a girl, spread her labia and wipe from front to back to protect her vagina from harmful bacteria. You do not need to wipe away egg-white vaginal discharge. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, and put a fresh diaper on.
Step 6
Wet the top of your baby's head slightly and place a small amount of baby shampoo on her hair. Rub the shampoo gently over her scalp. Support her head and back with one hand and hold the top of her head under lukewarm running water to rinse. Do not get her face or eyes wet. Pat her hair dry with the hooded towel. You only need to shampoo your baby's hair once or twice a week. If you bathe her in between, run a damp wash cloth over her scalp to clean it.
Tips and Warnings
- Sponge bathe your baby on your bed if that's more comfortable or convenient for you. Place a basin of warm water and a basket of bath supplies close by. Put a waterproof pad and towel on the bed. Use a fresh part of the wash cloth for each area of your baby's body to avoid spreading dirt or germs to another area.
- Don't leave your baby unattended or take your hands off her while bathing. Take her with you if you need to leave the room for any reason. Don't use soap on your baby's face or clean the insides of his ears. Sticking a cotton swab into his ear canal can damage his ear drum. The Children's Hospital Boston recommends checking with your baby's pediatrician about using powders or lotions on her skin. They're generally not needed unless your baby has dry skin. Powders must be applied with caution since they can be harmful if inhaled.
Things You'll Need
- Thick towel
- Hooded towel
- 2 soft wash cloths
- Cotton balls
- Cotton tip applicators
- Mild soap
- Cup
- Clean diaper
- Baby shampoo
References
- Children's Hospital Boston: Newborn Bathing and Skin Care
- AskDrSears: Bathing Babies
- "What to Expect the First Year"; Heidi Murkoff, Sharon Mazel, Arlene Eisenberg, Sandee Hathaway, B.S.N.; 2003
