A nice bath with plenty of warm water and one-on-one time between parent and baby is one of the most rewarding things a young family can do. This soft gentle tub is almost like a bed, it’s so cozy and warm.

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Sponge Bathing 101!

Newborns are given sponge baths because they should not be submerged in water until the umbilical cord falls off and circumcision has healed, to protect against infection. Since you will be cleaning your baby's bottom and genital area with every diaper change, you will only need to sponge bathe once or twice a week. Begin by choosing a safe, comfortable, and convenient area to work in. You can use a padded tabletop, dressing table , or even an infant bath (minus the water, of course).

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Step 1

Before undressing baby, moisten a cotton ball or soft washcloth with warm water and gently wipe baby's eyelids while he's in a reclined position. Wipe from the inside corner out and use different cotton balls for each eye. Dampen a cotton ball with warm water and gently clean around baby's nose area, being careful not to penetrate the nostrils. If needed, you can dampen a cotton swab and gently clean the outside of the nostrils. Repeat for baby's ears, being sure to wipe both outside and behind the ear. Never insert a cotton swab into baby's ear canal.

Step 2

With another wash cloth , clean baby's face and neck. Usually patting with warm water will be enough; plus, this way you can avoid the risk of irritating baby's eyes or nostrils with soap.

Step 3

Now it's time to wash baby's hair. Sit baby up, supporting his back while tilting his head back. Either squeeze warm water from a face cloth or use your hands to sprinkle water over baby's head. Use just a small amount of shampoo or cleansing lotion. Be sure to wash the fontanel (soft spot). This developing part of your baby's body is a lot tougher than you would believe, and needs to be gently washed like every other part of baby's body. Then, squeeze or sprinkle warm water over baby's head and rinse thoroughly. Pat dry. If your baby cries when you wash his hair, save it for last, but be sure to use fresh water.

Step 4

Lay baby gently on a soft towel or pad and wash her front. Then, wash baby's genital area, being sure to clean from front to back. For both sexes, clean genital areas before cleaning bottom. Be sure to thoroughly wash all creases. Note: Using soap in the sensitive genital and anal areas may cause discomfort and irritation. If soap is used, be sure to thoroughly rinse. Pat dry.

Step 5

Turn baby around and repeat this process with the back area. Pat dry. Dip a cotton swab into alcohol and gently clean around the umbilical cord, making sure that you apply the alcohol from the base to the tip. This should be done daily to prevent infection and actually speed healing. If you have any questions, contact your pediatrician.

Other Helpful Hints

Throughout the entire bath, be sure to support baby's head and neck.
To avoid irritation and infection, it is important to change your washcloth often while sponge bathing your baby.
Until you are actually ready to wash baby below the neck, there is no reason to undress him.
Do not introduce soap into the sponge bath until your infant is at least 1 week old. Until then, plain water is sufficient.
Wrapping a washcloth around your hand may offer you more control than simply holding it in your hand.