Newborn Bathing Flashcards
The six objectives of Newborn Bathing
- To keep the baby’s skin clean.
- To refresh the baby.
- To stimulate circulation.
- To prevent any skin infection.
- To closely observe the body for evidence of any abnormalities and to note the infant’s growth and development.
- To induce sleep.
When should the first bath of a newborn be
done?
(WHO) recommends delaying a baby’s first bath until 24 hours after birth—or waiting for at least 6 hours if a full day isn’t possible for cultural reasons.
Assessment of the skin before bath. Give 14 examples
● Colour ● Moisture
● Temperature ● Texture
● Turgur ● Vascularity
● Edema ● Pruritus
● Rashes ● Lesions
● Erythema ● Infection
● Inflammation ● Hirutism
Give 3 types of Bath
- Lap Bath
- Sponge Bath
- Tub Bath
Give 3 types of Bath
- Lap Bath
- Sponge Bath
- Tub Bath
Bathing the baby keeps on the lap. Here the mother sits on a stool and can sponge and change his dress on her lap itself. So there is no need of having an additional stool.
Lap Bath
Bathing the baby keeps on the lap. Here the mother sits on a stool and can sponge and change his dress on her
Lap Bath
What is Lap Bath?
Bathing the baby keeps on the lap. Here the mother sits on a stool and can sponge and change his dress on her lap itself. So there is no need of having an additional stool.
Sponge Bath
Bathing the child in bed
Bathing the child in bed
Sponge Bath
This is the common method of giving baths to the baby.
Tub Bath
What is Tub Bath
This is the common method of giving baths to the baby.
The temperature of the room and water for newborn bathing
It should be warm based on the general instruction for newborn bathing
How should we bathe and dry the baby?
Bath and dry the baby quickly and gently based on the general instruction of newborn bathing
Can we leave the baby unattended for this procedure?
No. Do not leave the baby unattended based on the general instruction of newborn bathing
The ideal time for bathing a baby
Before the second feeding; after 1-hour based on the general instruction of newborn bathing
Should we not bathe the baby within the hour of its feeding?
Yes. Baby should not be bathed within an hour he is fed because moving may cause vomit based on the general instructions.
Why should there be a fixed time to bathe the baby?
Based on the general instructions, There should be a fixed time for the bath, which will help the baby to form a habit of an orderly schedule.
Baby’s temperature regulating system is developed.
FALSE. The newborn’s temperature regulating system is underdeveloped, so measure the temperature of water to avoid overheating or chillness. (general instruction)
How should we choose the baby’s clothing?
The clothing should be selected based on the environment and weather.
Soap to use for newborn bathing
Mild and without hexachlorophene base. No talcum powders contain zinc stearate which irritates the respiratory tract. (general instructions)
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIVING BATH
● Use a warm room and warm water.
● Bath quickly and gently.
● Dry quickly and gently.
● Never leave the baby unattended in a bathtub or table.
● The ideal time for bathing a baby is before the second feeding; taking care that the baby is not tired or hungry.
● Baby should not be bathed within an hour he is fed because moving may cause vomit.
● There should be a fixed time for the bath, which will help the baby to form a habit of an orderly schedule.
● The newborn’s temperature regulating system is underdeveloped, so measure the temperature of water to avoid overheating or chillness
● The clothing should be selected based on the environment and weather.
● The soap used should be mild and without hexachlorophene base and avoid using talcum powders because it contains zinc
stearate which irritates the respiratory tract.
Articles Required (13)
● Hot water ● Tepid water
● Buckets-2 ● Mug-1
● Mild soap ● Hair oil
● Swab sticks-4. ● Cotton balls.
● K-basin ● Thermometer
● Clean cloths ● Low stool
● Apron
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE
CHILD AND SITUATION
● Identify the child and check doctor’s order for any specific instruction about bathing the baby.
● Assess the general condition of the baby and need for bathing.
● Find out from the mother whether the child had his feeding within the previous hour.
● Decide the type of bath to be given and find out the proper place for the same.
● Check the articles in the unit.
● Collect the individual soap and towel from the mother if possible.
PREPARATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
AND EQUIPMENT
● Close windows to keep off draught and to provide privacy.
● Collect all the articles in readiness before beginning the procedure.
● Keep the table against the wall, place the tub or basin on one end of the table and the tray with articles on the other end conveniently so that the baby will be protected on 3 sides and there is less chance of the baby rolling off the table.
* Place a rubber sheet and towel over the table, wash your hands, and wear an apron.
* See whether the baby is wet with urine or stool, if so clean the part.
* Bring the baby wrapped in a towel to the bath table.
CONTRAINDICATIONS OF BABY BATH
- Hypothermia * Convulsions
- Bronchopneumonia
- Congenital cyanotic heart disease
- Fresh burns * Critical illness
- Premature infants
TRUE OR FALSE: We do need to check ghe baby’s identity, just proceed on checking the physician’s order to know our patient
FALSE: Identify the child and check the doctor’s order for any specific instructions about bathing the baby.
- To know what procedure should be done on the patient
Why do we need to check the general condition of the baby and explain the procedure ro the mother?
Explain the procedure. Assess the general condition of the baby and the need for bathing.
- To let the mother be aware of the procedure and encourage her participation
TRUE OR FALSE: We should wash our hands and provide privacy even though our patient is a baby
TRUE: Wash hands and Provide privacy
- Patient’s Rights
Why do we need to prepare all equipments needed for this procedure?
To save time and effort
What should we do to keep the baby off from falling?
Keep the table against the wall place the tub or basin on one end of the table and the tray with articles on the other end conveniently so that the baby will be protected on 3 sides and there is less chance of the baby rolling off the table.
- To avoid fall
Why do we need to check the temperature of the water?
Pour water into the tub by checking with the elbow or dorsal side of the palm.
- To prevent hypothermia or scalding
How do we check the water’s temperature
With our dorsal side of the palm or elbow
Why should we check the water’s temperature?
To prevent the baby from having hypothermia or scalding
As we ready the baby for a bath, how should we carry the baby to safeguaed from falling?
Undress the baby. Place the head of the baby on your non-dominant palm and support the body with the forearm in a football hold
- Made ready for a bath and safeguards the baby from falling
How to wipe the eyes of the baby?
Wipe the eyes from inner canthus to outer canthus with cotton swabs.
- Prevents entry of debris and micro- organisms into the lacrimal gland
What finger to shield the baby’s ears
thumb and middle finger of non-dominant hand
The order to wash the baby’s whole body
Eyes. Wet hair and apply soap or shampoo and gently wash the scalp. Rinse with water and dry hair with a towel. Wet the baby’s neck, chest, hands, abdomen, legs and perineum using a face cloth.
How do we reposition the baby to wash the back and buttocks?
Ready your palm first on the chest, supporting the neck and chest of the baby, and face the baby towards the water.
How to clean a female baby’s perineum?
For a female infant-separated labia and with a cotton ball moistened with soap and water, cleanse downward one on each side. Use a new piece of cotton ball on each side
How to clean a male baby’s perineum
For a male infant-retract foreskin and
gently cleanse glans penis with a cotton
ball on each side of the scrotum
TRUE OR FALSE: we should skip in applying soap on skin folds
FALSE: Apply soap concentrating on skin folds and rinse with water
How to prevent skin irritation?
Spread the towel over a flat surface. Place the baby on it and dry it.
- To prevent skin irritation
The thirteenth step of newborn bathing
With the cotton swab and warm water, swab the inner and outer circles of the cord.
- To prevent umbilical infection
How do we prevent hypothermia?
Dress the baby and cover in a blanket or towel
- To prevent hypothermia
Identify the following aftercare
- Wash and replace the articles in the proper place.
- Record the type of bath, and any abnormal findings on the skin with date and time.
- Hand over the baby to the mother for feeding.
- Before discharge demonstrate it to the mother so that she can bath her infant at home
Why is bathing so important
Bathing provides a opportunity to the nurse to identify any developmental peculiarities and superficial skin infections which should be brought to the notice of physician.
