HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 10-10
Postpartum/Maternal/Newborn: Bathing the Newborn __RN
PURPOSE:
To provide for the comfort, safety, and cleanliness of the
newborn.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. The instructional bath is an opportunity to
demonstrate the newborn's need for handling,
affection, and security.
2. Use soap, oils, or lotions sparingly. Do not use
soap on face. Soap tends to dry the skin; oils and
lotions may clog pores or cause allergies.
3. Discourage use of powder. Never shake powder
onto newborn, put powder in hand and gently rub on
skin area. Cornstarch, in very small amounts, can
be beneficial to help avoid chafing in skin folds,
under chin, etc.
4. The newborn should not be immersed until the cord
is dry and detached, umbilicus is healed and
circumcision healed (if applicable).
EQUIPMENT:
Basin
Mild soap
Washcloths (2)
Towel
Cotton balls
Alcohol sponges
Baby clothes
Bath pad
Soft bristle hairbrush
Gloves
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Assemble equipment.
3. Place bath pad on a firm surface.
4. Fill basin with 1 to 2 inches of warm water, testing
temperature of water with elbow.
5. Place newborn on pad.
6. Undress newborn and provide for warmth by
covering with a towel.
7. Cleanse eyes with cotton balls moistened with warm
water. Clean from inner to outer canthus with one
stroke, using one cotton ball per eye.
8. Wash face with clear water and washcloth.
9. Supporting newborn in football hold, position head
over basin and gently wash newborn's hair with
soap and water; rinse well and pat dry with towel. If
the newborn has a lot of thick or curly hair, a softbristled
hairbrush may be used to help prevent
cradle cap.
10. Place washcloth in bottom of basin.
11. If umbilicus is healed, gently place baby into basin.
If umbilicus is not healed, continue to sponge bathe
the newborn without immersing the body into the
water. (See Care of the Umbilical Stump,
No.10.14.)
12. Wash body, legs, and arms giving special attention
to skin folds and creases.
13. Cleanse genital area with soap and water, using
cotton balls if necessary. Female newborns should
be cleansed gently from front to back paying special
attention to wipe any stool from labia. Male
newborns that have not been circumcised should
never have the foreskin forcibly retracted. Gently
retract until you meet resistance and clean area with
soap and water. (See Circumcision Care, No.
10.15.)
14. Wash back and buttocks.
15. If umbilicus has not healed, cleanse cord with
alcohol. Instruct the caregiver to continue cleansing
of the cord base at each diaper change until healed.
16. Dress newborn as indicated by weather conditions.
AFTER CARE:
1. Instruct the caregiver on the precautions for safe
handling of the newborn while bathing.
a. Show the football hold.
b. Caution about wet and slippery newborn and
need for a firm grip.
c. Caution about never leaving the newborn
unattended on a table, couch, or in the bathtub.
2. Cleanse basin, place supplies, soiled and/or wet
clothes and towels per caregiver's preference.
3. Document in patient's record:
a. Condition of skin, diaper area, and umbilical
cord area.
b. Newborn's response to procedure.
c. Caregiver’s response to procedure.
d. Instructions given to caregiver.
e. Report to physician any observed signs of cord
infection or other problems noted.
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