Support baby firmly when in the tub to

provide a feeling of security.

Use warm water (95-100 degrees F)
Turn the water faucet away from baby if
possible.
Never leave baby alone in the tub even
for a second.
Reference
Lowdermilk, D. L., Perry, S. E, Cashion, K.,
& Alden, K. R. (2012). Maternity &
womens health care (10th ed.). St. Louis,
MO: Elsevier Mosby. pp. 487-488, 588,
594-597, 601.

Bathing your
newborn baby &
cord care
Swaddled developmental bath

Bath guidelines:
Bathe baby every two or three days to
prevent your babys skin of drying out.
Spot clean areas such as babys chin and
mouth, neck folds, diaper area and creases
of the groin each day. Be sure and dry skin
and creases well.
Choose a time when you're not rushed or
likely to be interrupted.

The room should be warm (about 75

degrees F) and free of drafts.
Gather everything you will need for
bathing, drying and dressing baby before
you begin the bath.
A sponge or rubber mat on the bottom of
the tub or sink will prevent baby from
slipping.
Remember that baby is slippery when wet.

 Keep diaper
folded below
the cord.
Keep the
cord clean
and dry until
it falls off in
1- 3 weeks.
To clean the
cord, dip a
cotton swab in water, and gently clean the
base of the
cord. Dry with
a clean cotton
swab. Since
there are no
nerve endings
in the cord,
this does not hurt or sting.
Your baby may fuss because of the
cooling effect on the tummy.
The base of the cord may look moist and
you may see a few drops of blood as it
loosens. Continue to clean the cord base
often. Never pull or loosen the cord.
After the cord falls off, continue cord care
until the site is healed. Report any signs of
infection, such as redness, odor or
drainage to your health care provider.

Wash babys hair with baby shampoo or

mild soap then
rinse well.
Gentle
washing will
not hurt the
soft spot
(anterior
fontanel).
Cover babys wet hair with the warm wet
blanket to maintain heat.

When your baby remains swaddled during a

bath, he or she stays flexed and in the warm
water during the entire bath experience. This

Unwrap one arm,

wash, rinse, and
rewrap the arm
and hand before
moving to next
arm. Wash each
leg and foot, one
at a time in the same way. Diaper area is
bathed last, always washing from front to
back.

helps baby feel safe and secure. Baby is

often very relaxed during the bath, and may
even fall asleep.

To wash the back,

set baby up in a
sitting position
while supporting
their head, neck
and chest.
When done bathing, wrap your baby with
a dry towel, cuddle and sooth!
Cord care

Undress baby and remove diaper. Make

sure babys bottom is clean.
Wrap baby in a receiving blanket or soft
towel.
Place baby in a tub of warm water up to
their chest about 5 inches deep.
Support babys head out of the water.
Wash babys face first with clean water.
Begin with the eyes using a clean, soft
washcloth with plain water starting at
the inner corner of the eyes toward the
outer side. Make sure to use a clean area
of your washcloth for each eye.
Wash the rest of the face and ears. Never
use cotton swabs (Q-tips) to remove ear
wax.