Bathing & Diapering

BATHING & DIAPERIBy Michele A. Romano. MS,Many healthcare providers recommendsponge baths over tub baths until theumbilical cord stump has fallen off andthe area has healed (within one to threeweeks of life) and/or until a male circumcisionhas healed (which can takeseven to ten days).Babies don't really get dirty, so it's fineto bathe a newborn two to three times aweek and simply spot wash his face,neck and bottom in between.Before you begin, remove any distractions,and turn on the answeringmachine. You might try warming towelsby placing them in the dryer beforebathing (and then rolling them so theystay warm until use). Remember tomake bathtime fun! Sing, play and makethe most of these special opportunitiesto get to know your baby.Fill a clean sink or basin with warmwater. Have your basket of supplies (seebox, above) and clean clothes nearbyPlace your baby on an open bathtowel. Undress him, keeping his diaperon, and wrap him in the towel.Wash your baby's face and ears usingwarm water. Use a cotton ball dipped inclear water to wipe each eye from theinner to the outer corner. (Notify yourhealthcare provider of any odd drainage.)To wash the hair and scalp, hold yourwrapped newborn with your hand at hisneck, supporting his head. Securelyhold him over the basin/sink, and cupyour opposite hand to pour water on hisscalp. Add a small amount of babyshampoo, and use a gentle circularmotion all over, including behind theBATHING & DIAPERING PREPFill a portable supply basket with:2 soft washcloths diaperscotton swabsmild bar orliquid baby soapsoft babyhairbrushmild commercialbaby wipessmall box of tissuescotton ballsbaby shampoocold-pressedvegetable oilpetroleum jellyThis basket can be used for bathing,diapering and other care needs.ears. Use a cupped hand again to rinseand a second towel to dry.Place your infant back on the table.Squeeze a small amount of soap into thewater. Continue to wash him, exposing,washing and then drying with the secondtowel each individual body part,working from tip to toes. As you washeach area, keep the rest of his body coveredfor warmth and security.Remove his diaper and clean the area,including groin creases, well, using babywipes or a separate washcloth.Now turn the baby over. Washing hisback will offer some tummy time. Dry,diaper, dress and cuddle.Use an infant bathtub or a small sink.Place your supply basket, warmed towelsand clean clothes within reach. Singas you bathe and end with time for play.Place your baby on an opened toweland remove clothes and diaper. Cleanthe diaper area with wipes or a washclothdipped in soap and water.Wash your baby's face with a cleanwashcloth and clear water. Then place(continued on back)BATHS: NOT JUST FOR BATHINGHere are some games for during and at theend of the bath.• Play "This Little Piggy" with toes or fingers.• Wring the water from a washcloth ontoyour baby's tummy and watch the response.• Use plastic cups to show him how to filland pour once your baby is able to sit.• Demonstrate a loving touch by drawingthe letters "I," reversed "L" and "U" on yourbaby's tummy while saying, "I love you."See photo above.1 I LOVE YOUUMBILICAL CORD CAREThe umbilical cord stump falls off between thefirst and third week of life. Keep the cord areadry; any drainage may be cleaned with a cottonswab dipped in water. (Alcohol or ointment areunnecessary.) Dab the area gently with a drycotton swab, and fold the diaper down toposition it below the cord area.Call your healthcare provider if the areaaround the cord, including the skin, is red orswollen, or if there is a foul-smelling discharge.

PENIS CAREIf you have questions regarding thenecessity of male newborn circumcision,you'll find excellent information onwww.medem.com and the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics' web site.www.aap.org. What follows is the mostup-to-date care information for both thecircumcised and uncircumcised penis.An uncircumcised penis does notrequire special care. Clean the diaper areawith soap and water during each bath andwith wipes or a dampened washcloth ateach diaper change. Never forcibly retractthe foreskin.A circumcised penis• Use clear water to clean the penisduring healing.• Your healthcare provider will adviseyou on any special diaperingtechniques, depending on thecircumcision procedure,• If you notice signs of infection, suchas swelling or severe redness, or ifthe circumcision bleeds, call yourbaby's healthcare provider.ABOUT THE AUTHORMichele A. Romano, MS, RN, CM, IBCLC, isan expert in newborn care and a certifiedinfant massage instructor.the baby in the tub.Wash his hair by wringing a wetwashcloth over it. Apply a small amountof shampoo, and gently massage hisscalp in a circular motion. Use the dampwashcloth to clean behind his ears.Wring a wet washcloth onto his hairuntil the soap is gone; avoid splashingyour baby's face. If you notice a dryflaky area—cradle cap—on the scalp,gently massage in a small amount ofcold-pressed vegetable oil and brushthrough before washing your infant'shead. Call your healthcare provider ifthe flakes are reddened or persist.Add a small amount of bath soap tothe washcloth and continue to wash theneck, arms, armpits, chest, tummy, legs,back and buttocks.After playtime, open a warmed towel,place your baby on it and dry thoroughlyDiaper, dress and cuddle.Gather your supply basket (see box,over) and place your baby on the changingtable (always use the restrainingstraps) or another mutually comfortableplace. If diapering on the floor, placeyour baby on a folded bath towel or asoft pad.Remove the soiled diaper by releasingthe tabs. Gently swipe the diaperthrough your infant's groin, bringing thefront to the back, and dispose.Using a baby wipe or washcloth, cleanfrom front to back toward your baby'sbuttocks. You may need to use severalwipes.Examine your baby's skin for diaperrash or irritation. Diaper changes witheach feeding reduce these problems.Never leave an infant unattended foreven a moment on a surface of anyheight (table, counter, bed, changingtable) or in a sink, tub or tub seat!For a tub bath, place your baby intothe tub feet first. A rubber suctionbath-safety mat or towel placed atthe bottom of the sink or tub maymake the surface less slipperyAlways cleanse the genital areafrom front to back to avoidbacterial infection.If your baby becomes upset or overwhelmedduring the bath (fussy,arms and legs flailing), wrap himsnugly or offer him his hand tosuck. Comfort him by holding himclose to your heart, and gently rockhim. Continue with the bath oncehe's settled.Consult your healthcare provider if arash or irritation persists.Dry the diaper area with a tissue, andthen place a clean diaper on your baby.Diaper changes are a great time to showyour baby how much you love him.Here's how:• Use a clean diaper or small towel andplay peekaboo. Peek over the topseveral times, and then surprise yourbaby by peeking around one side.• Blow raspberries on your baby'stummy.• Imitate some of the soundsyour baby makes to have a little"conversation."compliments of HUGGIES®© 2007 {Village Parenting Network. Thisinformation should be considered a supplementto—and not a substitute for—care providedby a licensed healthcare provider.