Bathing & Hygienic Practices
The main goals of hygienic practices are to prevent infections, remove fluid and dirt from the body, and protect the skin's integrity. However, studies have shown that infant bathing can be harmful and cause serious physiological stress if not performed appropriately.
(Ceylan & Bolusuk, 2018, p. 296)
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Bathing
Consult with your pediatrician on which bathing technique is best for your child and their specific needs and circumstances. Bathing should be completed 2-4 times per week or as specified by your pediatrician.
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Listed below are common bathing techniques that may be used for reference.
Swaddle Bath
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Studies have shown that this type of bath poses the least amount of physical and emotional stress on preterm infant.
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*This can only be performed once the umbilical stub has fallen off and your doctor has approved water immersion *
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(Fernandez & Rodriguez, 2018, p. e54-e55)​​
Sponge Bath
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This type of bath may be performed prior to your infant's umbilical stump has fallen off. Take special care to keep the area free of moisture and debris.
(Navsaria, 2019)
Clipping Nails
It is important to keep your baby's nails trimmed to avoid self-injury and injuring others! Depending on the growth rate, their nails should be trimmed 1-2 times each week.
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How to do it:
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Figure out which positioning works best and allows easy access to your baby's hands
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this may be with your infant on your lap, in their rocker, on a changing table, or in their crib once they are asleep*​
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Hold your baby's palm and finger steady with one hand while you use baby scissors or clippers to trim their nails followed by filing with a emery board to eliminate any jagged edges
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IF you don't feel comfortable ​using baby scissors or clippers
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simply use an emery board to file down their nails, ensuring all corners are rounded ​
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(Hirsch, 2017)
The information contained in this website should not be used as a substitute for the medical care or advice from your pediatrician. Your pediatrician may have specific recommendations based on your child's individual circumstances.
References
Ceylan, S., & Bolusuk, B. (2018). Effects of swaddled and sponge bathing methods on signs of stress and pain in premature newborns. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 15, 296-303. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12299
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Fernandez, D., & Rodriguez, R. (2018). Bathing a premature infant in the intensive care unit: A systemic review. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 42, e52-e57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2018.05.002
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Hirsch, L. (2017). Trimming your baby's nails. Kids Health. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/trimming-nails.html.
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Navsaria, D. (2019). Bathing your baby. American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Bathing-Your-Newborn.aspx.