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How To Sponge Bath A Baby

by: Parul | last updated: June 02, 2009
Category: Baby Care Essentials: Skincare & First Aid | Tags: Baby bath, Sponge bath

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How To Sponge Bath A Baby

Until a baby starts getting down and dirty on all four, a daily bath is not necessity. As long as adequate spot cleaning is done during diaper changes and after feedings, a bath two or three times a week will keep baby sweet smelling and presentable. Such a light bathing schedule can be particularly welcome in the early weeks. Until the umbilical cord and circumcision, if any are healed, tub bath will be prohibited, and sponge bath will be baby’s only route to clean. For a sponge bath, you need to follow these guidelines.

Select a bath site. The changing table, a kitchen counter, your bed or the baby’s crib are all suitable locations for a sponge bath; simply cover your bed or the crib with a water proof pad or a counter with thick towel.

Before undressing the baby, be ready with the soap and baby shampoo, if you use it, two washcloths, and sterile cotton balls for cleaning the eyes and towel, preferably with a cover.

Get baby ready. If the room is warm. You can remove the entire baby’s clothing before beginning, covering him loosely with a towel while you work.

Begin washing, starting with the cleanest areas of the body and working towards the dirtiest, so that the washcloth and the water your are using will stay clean.

Wash baby’s head, once or twice a week, use soap or baby shampoo, rinsing very carefully. On interim days, use just water. For cleaning face, first, using sterile cotton ball moisture in warm water, clean baby’s eyes, wiping gently from the nose outward. Use a fresh ball for each eye.

For baby’s neck and chest, soap is not necessary unless the baby is very sweaty or dirty. For cleaning the arms, extend the arms to get into the elbow creases, and press the palms to open the first. The hands will need a bit of soap, but be sure to rinse them well before they are back in baby’s mouth.

For his back, turn baby over on the tummy with head on one side, and wash back, being sure not to miss those neck fold. Since this is not a dry area, soap probably not be necessary. Dry, and dress the upper body before continuing if the room is chilly.

For his legs, extend the legs to get the back of the knees, though the baby will possibly resist being unfurled. Dry.

For diaper area, wash boys carefully, getting into all creases and crevices with soap and water. Dry the diaper area well, and apply ointment if needed. Diaper and dress the baby.