A sponge bath is recommended if the mother is not confident of handling the baby initially in the first few days. Sponge bath is also done when the navel is not healed. Sponge bath boosts the confidence of the mother and also gives time for the navel to heal.Is there any special care for the unhealed navel?
You should clean the unhealed navel with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball or a mild first-aid ointment which is prescribed by your doctor. When you give the baby her bath, make sure that this area remains dry. Therefore, tub baths are certainly out while the navel is not healed. A sponge bath can be the answer; it will give you more confidence on handling the baby, and it will take care of the
baby's unhealed navel.
How do I give my baby a sponge bath?
Now you are ready to start. You can do a sponge
bath right there in the baby's crib. Place a large towel under her and place a bowl of warm water, about body temperature, nearby. Test the temperature with your elbow or wrist. To keep your baby from getting cold, do not undress her all at once. Wipe across her eyes first with a fresh, damp cotton ball. Wipe with a cotton cloth around the ears and clean her mouth, chin and neck.
Then take off her shirt and wash the abdomen (being careful to keep the unhealed navel dry) and arms, rinsing carefully. Support her head and gently wet her scalp with a washcloth; pat dry. After washing her back, dry and dress her upper body. Next, remove the baby's diaper, and
soap the genital area, buttocks, legs and feet. Rinse her thoroughly and then dry,
diaper and dress her. Keep all the things that you require near you so that you do not have leave your baby alone while getting-up.
What precautions should be taken while giving a sponge bath?
Here are some precautions that you can take.
- Always keep your one hand on your baby while you are cleaning her.
- You can turn the fan of air-conditioner off to prevent your baby from catching cold while she is naked.
- Check the temperature of water.
- Use cotton ball for cleaning the delicate parts like eyes.
- Do not use same cotton ball for cleaning both the eyes. Take a fresh cotton ball while cleaning the other eye when you finish cleaning the first one.
- Soak the cloth in water in such a way that water is not dripping from it.
- Do not be harsh while cleaning your baby. Wipe and pat her dry gently.
- Make sure that you clean the folds as well.
- If you are using soap, make sure that you wipe the soap off properly by cleaning her again with a damp cloth.
- Make sure that the soap does not go into your baby’s eyes.
- While cleaning the back of the baby, make sure that you turn her to one side.
- If you need anything, do not leave your baby alone. Ask someone to help you.
- Pat her dry properly before dressing her.
- If you are using a talcum powder, make sure that it does not enter her noses-trills. Rub it on your hands before applying it to her.
For how long do I need to give sponge bath to my baby?
You can give sponge bath to your baby till the baby’s navel heals completely. It will nearly take 4 to 5 weeks for the navel to heal properly after which you can begin with normal baths.
Giving a sponge bath to a baby is also a good time for bonding with her. Enjoy these precious moments to the fullest.
