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 BABY HEALTH
BREAST FEEDING
BABY MASSAGE
BABY FOOD
HOME REMEDIES
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SPONGE BATH FOR BABIES
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Until the umbilical cord and circumcision, if any, are healed (a couple of weeks, more or less) baths will be taboo, and a flannel will be your baby's only route to getting clean. For a thorough sponge bath, follow these steps:
1. Select a bath site. The changing table, a kitchen counter, your bed or the baby's cot (it the mattress is high enough) are all suitable locations for a sponge bath; simply cover your bed or the cot with a waterproof pad or the counter with a thick baby towel or pad. |
2. Have all of the following ready before undressing baby;
• baby soap and shampoo, if you use it
• two flannels (one will do if you use your hand for soaping)
• sterile cottonwool balls for cleaning the eyes
• towel, preferably with a hood
• clean nappy and clothing
• ointment or cream for nappy rash, if needed
• rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs or alcohol pads for the umbilical cord (if recommended)
• warm water, it you won't be within reach of the sink
3. Get baby ready. If the room is warm. you can remove all of baby's clothing before beginning, covering him or her loosely with a towel while you work ( most babies dislike being totally bare', if it's cool. undress each pat of the body as you're ready to wash it. No matter what the room temperature. Don't take oft baby's nappy until it's time to wash the bottom; a baby without a nappy 'especially a boy' should always be considered armed and dangerous.
4. Begin washing, starting with the cleanest areas of the body and working toward the dirtiest, so that the flannel and the water you're using will stay clean. Soap with your hands or a flannel, but use a clean cloth for rinsing. This order of business usually works well:
- Head. Once or twice a week, use soap or baby shampoo, rinsing very thoroughly. On interim days, use just water. A careful hold at the sink's edge can be the easiest and most comfortable way to rinse baby's head. Gently towel dry baby's hair (for most babies this takes just a few seconds) before proceeding.
- Face. First, using a sterile cotton wool ball moistened in warm water, clean baby's eyes. Wiping gently from the nose outwards. Use a fresh ball for each eye. No soap is needed for the face. Wipe around the outer ears but not inside. Dry all parts of the face.
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Neck and chest. Soap is not necessary, unless baby is very sweaty or dirty. Be sure to get into those abundant folds and creases, where dirt tends to accumulate. Dry.
- Arms. Extend the arms to get into the elbow creases, and press the palms to open the fist. The hands will need a bit of soap, but be sure to rinse them well before they are back in baby's mouth. Dry.
- Back. Turn baby over on the tummy with head to one side, and wash back, being sure not to miss those neck folds. Since this isn't a dirty area, soap probably won't be necessary. Dry, and dress the upper body before continuing if the room is chilly.
- Legs. Extend the legs to get the backs of the knees, though baby will probably resist being unfurled. Dry.
- Nappy area. Follow directions for care of the circumcised penis or the uncircumcised penis and, if recommended, the umbilical stump until healing is complete. Wash girls front to back. spreading the labia and cleaning with soap and water. A white vaginal discharge is normal, don't try to scrub it away. Use a fresh section of the flannel and clean water or fresh water poured from a cup to rinse the vagina. Wash boys carefully, getting into all the creases and crevices with soap and water, but don't try to retract the foreskin on an uncircumcised baby. Dry the nappy area well and apply ointment or cream if needed.
5. Put on a nappy and dress baby.
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