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Bathing
Sponge Bath (Before the cord falls off)
- A wet, wiggly baby can be hard to hold. Use one hand to hold your baby's head and back, while using the other hand to wash the baby.
- Wash the face with water only. Soap on the face can be drying. Clean the eyes from the inner corner to the outer corner. Use a clean corner of the washcloth for washing each eye.
- Do not use a Q-tip or cotton swab to clean the ears and nose. A washcloth is fine.
- There is no need to use oils on your newborn as this may cause skin rashes.
- Wash the diaper area last.
Tub Bath (After the cord falls off)
- Fill a tub with 2-3 inches of warm water. Be sure to check the water temperature yourself before putting baby in the tub. Water should not feel hot when splashed onto the inside of your wrist.
- Hold your baby in a sitting position.
- Babies often cry during a bath. Smiling and talking to him/her will comfort them during bath time.
- If you have any questions about bathing your baby, ask your nurse for help before you go home from the hospital.
- Never leave your baby alone in the tub or on the counter. A baby can drown and can easily fall off a counter.
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Sparrow Health System: Sparrow Women's Services
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