Infant Bathing and Assessment

Study Notes

Sponge baths are recommended for infants until the umbilical cord separates, usually within 10 to 14 days.
Tub baths can be given after the umbilical cord site heals completely.
Infants should be bathed once or twice a week and as needed when the skin is soiled with body secretions.
The water temperature for a bath should be between 36.7° C to 37.8° C (98° F to 100° F).
Parents should be taught how to safely bathe, handle, and dress the infant while maintaining body temperature.
Parents should be aware of ways to provide sensory and social stimulation during bathing.

Inspect the infant's skin for signs of dryness, peeling, redness, drainage, or infection.
Assess the umbilical cord site for redness, drainage, drying, and intactness.
Assess the infant's temperature if they are at risk for hypothermia (below 36.7° C or 98° F).

Cleanse eyes with plain water from inner to outer canthus.
Cleanse external ears with plain water and a twisted washcloth, avoid using cotton-tipped applicators.
Cleanse face and neck with plain water, use a small amount of soap for soiled creases.
Cleanse mouth with plain water, wash inside lips, cheeks, tongue, roof of mouth, and gum pads.
Cleanse upper body with warm water and soap, rinse soap from hands.
Cleanse abdomen around umbilicus with warm water, keeping the cord dry.
Cleanse legs and outer buttocks with warm water and soap.
Cleanse genitalia with plain water, wash from front to back for females, from urethra outward for males.
Cleanse anal area with soap, rinse, and dry last.
Shampoo hair with mild soap, rinse thoroughly.

Diaper rash: cleanse and dry area after each bowel movement, expose to air and sunlight.
Dry, cracked, peeling skin: limit bathing to two or three times a week, use plain water.
Cradle cap: shampoo head daily, allowing shampoo or mineral oil to remain on scalp until crusts are softened, rinse thoroughly, use a comb to remove loosened crusts.
Redness or drainage around the umbilical site: keep area clean and dry, keep diaper folded below umbilicus, report to healthcare provider.
Infant's temperature falls below 36.7° C (98° F): wrap in extra blanket and place cap on head, reassess temperature in 30 minutes, warm infant according to protocol.
Parents are unable to explain and demonstrate bath procedure: establish rapport, reassess teaching techniques, assess for unmet needs and cultural differences.