How to Give a Newborn a Sponge Bath

Giving a newborn baby a bath every day is not necessary. Wipe your baby off thoroughly after feedings and during diaper changes. A sponge bath two or three times per week will be more than adequate until your baby begins to crawl. Until your baby's belly button is completely healed, sponge baths are your only option. To make sure that you give your baby a thorough sponge bath, follow the steps below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby Shampoo
• Wash Cloth
• Hooded Towel
• Diaper
• Cotton Balls
• Cotton Swabs
• Alcohol

How to Give a Newborn a Sponge Bath

1. Select a place to bathe your baby. Choose a place with plenty of room where you can be comfortable. A kitchen or bathroom counter or, if you are not shampooing your baby's head, your bed, the baby's crib, or the changing table are all options. Place a thick towel on the counter or a waterproof pad on the bed or baby's crib.

2. Gather all of the bathing supplies before bathing your baby. Get baby shampoo, a washcloth, cotton balls, a hooded towel, a clean diaper, alcohol and cotton swabs for the umbilical cord (if recommended).

3. Prepare your baby. Remove your baby's clothing, if the room is warm enough. Do not remove your baby's diaper until you are ready to wash that area.

4. Wash your baby's head. Use baby shampoo and be sure to rinse very thoroughly. Carefully hold your baby at the edge of the sink to rinse her head. Using the towel, gently dry her head before moving on. Of course, you cannot do this if you are using the bed to clean her.

5. Wash your baby's face. Use a cotton ball moistened with clean water to gently wipe her eyes. Do not use soap. Wipe around the outside of her ears but not the inside.

6. Wash the baby's neck, chest, and arms. Do not worry about using soap on the neck and chest. When you wash your baby's hands, use a bit of baby soap. Be sure to rinse all of the soap off of her hands.

7. Wash your baby's back. Turn your baby over on his belly. Be sure that his head is turned to one side and wash his back. Dry his upper body before moving on.

8. Wash your baby's legs. Be sure to gently extend her legs so that you are able to wash the backs of her knees. Be sure that you are gentle because her legs will probably resist being straightened.

9. Wash the diaper area. Follow your doctor's recommendations for cleaning the belly bottom and circumcised penis. Wash girls from front to back. Be sure to gently and thoroughly clean the area with baby soap and water. Be sure to rinse all traces of soap from the area. Wash boys carefully, making sure to get in all the creases with soap and water. Dry the area well and apply ointment, if needed.

10. Diaper your baby and dress him.

Tips & Warnings

• If your baby enjoys bath time, giving him a bath right before bed can help to relax him and get him to sleep.
• Set aside plenty of time for your baby's bath so that you are not rushed during the process.
• If you are worried about the room being too cool, or if you baby does not like to be naked, cover your baby with a towel. Uncover small areas as you wash them, keeping the majority of your baby covered.
• Do not give your baby a tub bath until her umbilical cord has fallen off. Do not give your baby a bath right before a meal. If he is hungry, he is less likely to enjoy his bath.
• Do not give your baby a bath right after you feed her. If she becomes upset during the bath, she will be more likely to spit up after eating.

Resources

• Buy baby shampoo online
• Buy hooded baby towels online
• How to care for your baby's umbilical cord stump