The Newborn Bath

1. The Newborn Bath

2. Bath Supplies • Mild Soap • Washcloth • Clean Diaper • Lotion • Towel • Cotton Swabs • Cotton Balls • Baby Shampoo • Clean Clothes • Rubbing Alcohol • Bath Tub

3. Bath Facts • Babies can drown in just one inch of water. • 10% of childhood drownings occur in the bathtub. The majority occur in the absence of an adult. • Children drowning in bathtubs account for about two-thirds of the reported deaths of infants in the home each year. • Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children 1-4 years of age

4. Safety Tips • Do not rely on older siblings for supervision. • A bath seat or ring cannot protect a baby from drowning. • Place a bathmat over the side of the tub to create a slip free exit.

5. Safety Tips • Place a rubber mat at the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping. • Water should be no hotter than 120 degrees. • Keep toys, washcloths away from drain when emptying the tub. • NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED

6. General Principles • Time should be convenient for caregiver and about the same time each day. • Always check temperature before putting baby the baby in. • Remove jewelry or items that might scratch the baby.

7. General Principles • Have everything ready before you get the baby. • NEVER leave the baby unattended. • Support and hold onto the baby at all times.

8. The Bath • Remove clothing, but keep the baby covered. • Start with the cleanest part of the baby first – the face • Wash eyes from the inside corner out.

9. The Bath • Wash each body part with soap – be sure to get in crevices and skin folds. Shampoo hair. • Wash the baby’s buttocks after each bowel movement as well as at bath time. • Genitalia • Girls – Always wipe from front to back to prevent infection. • Boys – Follow doctor’s instruction depending on circumcision.

10. The Bath • Rinse the baby with clean water. • Wipe the umbilical cord off with rubbing alcohol. • Dry baby off and wrap in a towel. • Dress baby