PERFORMING INFANTS’ BATH

Definition
- Defined as cleaning the skin of the baby for promoting hygiene and comfort in
the home setting.

Objectives/ Purposes

 To keep the baby’s skin clean

 To refresh the baby
 To stimulate the circulation
 To prevent infection
 To closely observe the body for evidence of any abnormalities and to note infant’s
growth and development
 To induce sleep
 To enhance self-esteem
 To promote comfort

Materials Needed:
 Water should feel warm to touch FOR ADULT SKIN USING THE INNER
ASPECT OF THE WRIST or with the elbow / dorsal side of the palm.
(The newborn’s temperature regulating system is underdeveloped. So
measure the temperature of water to avoid overheating or chill ness. About 98-
100 or 37- 38 C) Prevents chances of hypothermia or scalding.
 Washbasin or bathtub
 Washcloths
 Dry towels and/or bath blanket
 Hypoallergenic soap
 Clean clothes
 Non-sterile gloves
 Thermometer
 Cotton balls

Procedur Done Not Remarks

es done
ASSESSMENT
1. Determine infants’ temperature

RATIONALE: All infants drop their temperature

during bathing. Continue with bathing if temperature
is within normal limits.
PLANNING
1. Wash your hands.
RATIONALE: UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS- To reduce
transmission of microorganisms
2. Gather materials needed

RATIONALE: Promotes efficient time management and

provide an organized approach to procedure.
IMPLEMENTATION
1. Place towel, laid out in diamond fashion, on table top
next to basin.

RATIONALE: For drying

2. Remove all clothing except shirt and diaper.

RATIONALE: To made ready for bath

3. Wipe the eyes using a cotton ball moistened with water,
starting from inner to outer canthus. Use new cotton
ball for each eye.

RATIONALE: It prevents entry of debris and micro-

organisms into the lacrimal gland.
4. Dip washcloth. Make a mitt and wash the face, ears and
neck. Dry all areas thoroughly.

RATIONALE: Follows the principle less

contaminated to most contaminated area.
Drying immediately prevents hypothermia.
5. Hold infant on one arm (football hold) over the tub and
wet hair.
RATIONALE: Safeguards the baby from slipping.

6. Soap own hands and lather to hair and scalp using

gentle circular motion. Splash water against head to rinse
off.
Dry hair with towel.
RATIONALE: Drying immediately prevents
hypothermia.

7. Place infant on towel and dry the head using the corners
of the towel.
8. Undress the infant. Wet upper extremities, front, back,
buttocks and legs using wash cloth. Apply soap and
lather.
9. Pick up infant and slowly lower him into the
bath tub to rinse off.

RATIONALE: To start washing the trunk AND prevents

skin irritation.
10. Support the baby while lifting him from the tub, by
placing

your hand and arm around the infant, cradling (to

hold something or someone gently, especially by
supporting with the arms) his head and
neck in your elbow. Grasp his thigh with the other
hand.

RATIONALE: Safeguards the baby from slipping.

11. Dry infant’s body gently but thoroughly.

RATIONALE: To prevents hypothermia and For better

convenience.

12. For a female infant, separate 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.

NOTE: Wash from front to back to reduce the

transmission of microorganism from the anus.
13. For a male infant, retract foreskin and gently cleanse
penis with a cotton ball moistened with soap and water.
14. Re-dress infant to prevent from hypothermia and
hold infant for a period of time
following the bath procedure.
Take infant’s temperature after bathing.

RATIONALE: A post bath temperature measures

tolerance to bathing.
EVALUATION

1. Evaluate using the following criteria;

 Observed for the overall skin condition
 Observed for the signs of hypothermia
 Rechecked temperature.
 Kept thermo regulated
 To ensure the pt. is safe

DOCUMENTATION
 Document any pertinent observations or according
to the hospital’s policy.

RATIONALE: Because anything that is not

properly documented is considered as NOT
DONE.

Newborns, infant, and young children are more likely to develop hypothermia because they
have a larger surface area compared to body weight so they can lose body heat faster than
older children and adults.
36.0 C to 36.4 C (96.8 F- 97.5 F) - Mild Hypothermia
32.0- 35.9 (89.6 F- 96.6. F) – Moderate Hypothermia
Less than 32 C (89.6 F) – Severe Hypothermia

Symptoms of Hypothermia to Infant

- An accurate axillary (armpit) or rectal temperature below 36.4 C (97.5 F)
- A weak cry
- Low energy level
- Lethargic
- Reddish and cold skin
- Poor feeding
- Cool feeling of extremities and abdomen

- Cold-to-touch

- Bright red skin

- Unusually low energy