How to Give a Newborn a Bath

Overview: These instructions are made to help those who are new to the labor and delivery unit
learn how to give newborns their first bath. This is a task that we are responsible for under our
duties, so it is important that we understand it well. This can be a quick reference to help even
those who have done it before and just need a quick refresher.

Gather your supplies, for the newborn’s first bath you will need:
 two washcloths,
 two swaddle blankets,
 a towel,
 a chucks pad,
 basin,
 soap,
 lotion,
 a comb, and
 whatever clothes/hat you want to put the baby in afterwards.

In In the hospital, we do the bath under the baby warmer, but the bath can also be done in
the tub or sink at home. The picture below shows the Panda baby warmer we use in our
hospital.

1. Once you have all your supplies, you can set up the space. I begin by laying a towel
down with chuck (absorbent) pad on top.
[2.] When you have the towel and pad down, you shouldO open your soap and lotion, it is
best to do it now so that you do not have to worry about it when you have the baby. so
that you do not have to worry about this once you have the baby.
[3.] You should next fill your basin with water. It is best to get lukewarm water, that slightly
warmwater that is slightly warmer than lukewarm. This will help ensure the baby does
not get too cold during the bath.
[4.] When you have all of this prepared you are then ready to get the baby. Get the baby and
bring them to the warmer. Make sure to wash your hands/put on gloves before you get the
baby to reduce infection risk.
[5.] When you get the baby, you want to remove all the blankets, clothes, and diaper that is
on the baby. Remove all of the blankets, clothes and diaper that is on the baby.
2.[6.] Start by wetting one of the washcloths you have and use the water in the washcloth to
wet the baby.
[7.] PWhen the baby is wet put soap on your hands and lather the soap, then rub the lathered
soap on the baby. Make sure to focus on areas such as the armpits, and groin which tend
to hold the most gunk.
[8.] UThen use the same washcloth to rinse the soap off the baby.
3.[9.] Remove the absorbent pad and place the baby on the towel.
4.[10.] Thoroughly dry the baby off and put on a new diaper.
[11.] Once the baby has on a diaper, swaddle the baby with the towel.Swaddle the baby with
a towel.
5.[12.] Take the soap, a washcloth, and the comb to the sink to wash the baby’s hair.
6.[13.] Make sure the water is the lukewarm temperature again and wet the baby’s head.
7.[14.] Lather soap on the baby’s head and use the comb to remove anything that is in the
hair.
8.[15.] Rinse the baby’s hair.
9.[16.] Dry the baby’s hair with the washcloth you took with you to the sink.
[17.] ANow you can apply lotion to the baby, if in the hospital you should go back to the
warmer, if not then wherever you feel comfortable with laying the baby down.
[18.] Apply lotion to the baby, and make sure to remove an excess to prevent skin
breakdown.Make sure to remove excess lotion with a towel, this will help to prevent skin
breakdown.
10.[19.] Dress the baby and put on a hat to keep the baby warm.
11.[20.] Swaddle the baby with one to two swaddles, this depends on how hot or cold the
room is and thickness of baby’s clothes.
12.[21.] The baby is now clean and ready to nap .