BATHING NEWBORNSIn most hospitals newborns receive a

complete bath to wash away vernix caseosa within an hour after birth.

Bathed once a day:Baby’s faceDiaper areaSkin folds

Wear gloves when handling newborns until a first bath to avoid exposing your hands to body secretions.

BATHING NEWBORNSBabies of HIV positive mothers should be

bathed immediately to decrease the possibility of HIV transmission.

Bathing of an infant is best done by parents under a nurse’s supervision.

When giving a bath, it should proceed from the cleanest to the most soiled areas of the bodyEyes and faceTrunkExtremitiesDiaper area

BATHING NEWBORNSRoom: 75°F (24°C)Bath water: 98 °F to 100 °F (37 °C to 38 °C)Teach parents to wash the infants hair daily

with a bath.Most health care agencies do not apply powder

or lotion. (infants are allergic) Many adult talcum powders contain zinc stearate, which makes talc irritating to the respiratory tract.

For extremely dry skin, lubricants (Nivea oil) are added to water or directly on the baby’s skin.

EQUIPMENTSBasin of waterWashclothTowelCombClean diaperShirt

EQUIPMENTSCotton Balls or disposable washclothsNeutral soap (varies with facility, but

examples include Castile, Dove and Neutrogena)

70% AlcoholPetrolatum GauzeProtective ointment

PROCEDURENursing Action Rationale

Weight, temperature & blood pressure

1.Weigh infant & record weight2.Take axillary temperature by

placing the thermometer in the axilla and pressing infant’s arm gently but firmly against it for 10 minutes. Prevent exposure; provide warm environment (24°-27°C)

3.Take blood pressure, if indicated.

1. Newborn may lose 5%-10% of birth weight loss of excess fluid.

2. Use of rectal thermometer predisposes to irritation of rectal mucosa.

3. Hypotension may be present and require remedial action

4. Tilt head back to cleanse neck

5. Bathe torso and extremities quickly

6. Carefully dry each area after washing

7. Inspect umbilical cord. Check area for bleeding or foul odor. A drying agent, such as 70% alcohol or merthiolate, maybe applied several times daily (according to your facility policy).Do not cover with diaper.Dressings are not used

4. Exposes neck folds for more through cleansing

5. Prevents unnecessary exposure and chilling

6. Prevents heat loss and maintains thermoregulation

7. Minimize colonization by bacteria

8. Cleanse genital area of male infants.a. Cleanse penis without retracting foreskin.

b. Circumcision care-

keep area clean. Place sterile petrolatum gauze over are for first 24 hrs. change after voiding observe hourly for bleeding. Position infant and diaper to avoid friction.

a. Edema and constriction of the penis may result it foreskin is retracted

b. Prevents infection and promotes healing. Bleeding can be controlled by pressure or by application of adrenaline solution. Prevents discomfort.

9. Cleanse genital area of female infants.

a. Wash vulva front to backb. Wipe vulva with cotton ball using one stroke in a front-to-back direction

10.Bathe buttocks, using gentle, patting motion. Keep area clean and dry to prevent diaper rash. I rash does occur, protective ointment (zinc oxide or A & D)maybe used. Exposure of buttocks to air or heat lamp is helpful.

9. a. Remove vernix and

other discharge b. Front to back

cleansing prevents contamination of vagina

10. Area is susceptible tpskin breakdown because of acid reaction of urine and feces.