Giving Bath to a Newborn - Purpose, Types, and Methods

Introduction

A baby bath is the cleaning and bathing of a child to promote good health and hygiene of the child. A baby bath is one of the significant steps of the baby care routine. It helps to keep the child clean and refreshed. It helps remove microorganisms as a newborn child is susceptible to infections from various organisms. It helps in removing dead cells and regulates the body temperature. Parents should give baths to their children properly to promote their well-being.

What Is the Purpose of Bathing a Baby?

The following are the purposes of bathing a baby:

• Cleaning and disinfecting the child's skin.

• To increase skin integrity.

• To maintain proper blood circulation.

• Cleaning and refreshing the child.

• Prevention from skin infections.

• Improving skin integrity functions and good relaxing fragrance.

What Are the Types of Newborn Baths?

Bath can be given to newborns by various methods.

Following are a few methods:

• Sponge Bath: It is given on the bed with the help of a cleaning sponge. It is given to children when they are sick and tired. It helps in maintaining body temperature and reducing fever. It is a clenching bath.

• Tub Bath: This is a bath where the baby is submerged in a water-filled tub. It is one of the common types of bath. The water level and temperature should be observed before the bath.

• Lap Bath: In the lap bath, parents keep their children on their laps and clean them. This type of bath is usually practiced in rural areas.

• Oil Bath: Oil is applied to the child's whole body in this bath. Oil is used for the child's entire body and cleaned by wiping it with moderate-temperature water. It is commonly done with premature babies because oil helps in increasing body temperature.

How Often Should Parents Bathe Their Newborn?

Parents should clean their children daily when crawling, walking, or playing. Newborn skin is susceptible and delicate; prolonged and multiple bathing times can dry the child's skin. Parents should use a sponge for cleaning.

What Temperature Is Suitable for Bathing a Baby?

The water temperature in which the child is cleaned should be optimum. Bathing helps in the regulation of body temperature. According to the American academy of pediatrics, the temperature of the water should not be more than 120 degrees. Parents can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. It prevents scalding, and slightly lukewarm water helps in cleaning microorganisms.

What Are the Essentials Required for Bathing a Baby?

Following are the various essentials required for a baby's bath.

• Mild soap and shampoo.

• Cotton wash clothes.

• Clean Towel.

• Plastic Basin.

• Diaper

• Cream and ointment.

How Should Parents Give Baths to Their Babies?

Parents should ensure all the essentials before bathing their children. The room should be warm and comfortable for babies.

Following are the steps of the two methods of bathing babies:

1. Sponge Bath

   1. The room temperature should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

   2. Parents should remove the clothes and diapers of their children and wrap them in towels.

   3. The baby should be laid on a flat surface like a table or bed.

   4. Parents should unwrap the towel and expose the area required to clean.

   5. Cleaning should be started from the baby's face and the top of the head.

   6. This step should be done with warm water without soap to avoid getting soap in the baby's mouth and eyes.

   7. The head should be wiped carefully, including the outer ears, chin, and neck.

   8. One drop of mild soap should be in warm water, and the cleaning clothes should be dipped.

   9. Soapy water is used to clean the rest of the body.

   10. Underarms, genitals, and diaper areas should be cleaned carefully.

   11. Babies should be dried off properly, including their body folds.

   12. Parents can use an extra towel to dry the head of their child.

   13. After drying, a clean diaper should be used.

2. Tub Bath

   1. A bathtub or sink should be filled with two to three inches of water.

   2. The water should be slightly warm, between 30to 40degree celsius.

   3. The baby should be undressed and placed in water quickly to avoid getting cold.

   4. One hand should be placed at the child's head to give them support, and the hand should be at the child's feet.

   5. The head and neck of a child should always be above the water.

   6. Washing clothes should be used to clean the body of the child.

   7. The cleaning should be done from top to bottom.

   8. The baby should be lifted gently and patted to dry.

   9. The creases of the skin should be dried properly.

How to Clean the Scalp and Hair of Babies?

The baby's head should be cleaned twice a week. Gentle baby shampoo should be used. Shampoo should be diluted and applied gently to the scalp and hair. The head should be rinsed by dabbing with wet washcloths. The baby's head should be helped with water, and a gentle massage should be given with diluted shampoo. The hand should be kept on the forehead while pouring warm water. The parents should be very cautious while cleaning because if the shampoo foam enters the eyes, it hurts the child. Parents should gently take the clean brush if the child has a cradle cap.

Conclusion:

Maintaining hygiene is essential for the maintenance of health care of the child. Bathing not only maintains hygiene but also helps prevent infection from a microorganism. It is one of the exciting milestones for parents. Parents should learn the process and bathe their babies without any stress. Bathing keeps the child calm, has a soothing effect, and induces sleep. Parents should know bath products, ingredients, and water temperature well. It helps develop a child's emotional and physical bond with their parents.