Gather all your needed supplies. Fill a plastic tub about half full of warm water. Check the temperature of the water by sticking your elbow into it. Place your baby into the plastic tub on their back making sure their head and neck are out of the water. Use a wash cloth to clean your child's head. Wet the wash cloth and clean their eyelids, under their chin, and behind their ears. Use the washcloth to clean the front of your baby, including their stomach and chest areas. Use one hand to prop your baby up, use the other to clean the backside of your baby with the wash cloth. Lift your child's legs by gently pulling up their feet and wash their genital and buttocks area. Gently lift your child out of the tub by placing one hand behind their head and one hand in between their legs. Wrap your baby in a clean dry towel leaving their head exposed. Support your child's head over the tub, use mild soap to gently wash their hair. Use one hand to cup water and pour it over their hair to rinse out the soap. Use the towel already wrapped around your baby to gently dry off their head.
Watch this program to learn about newborn skin conditions including skin rashes, neonatal acne and cradle cap as well as tips on how to take care for your baby's skin.
Bonding with your baby in the NICU can lower her stress levels and yours. Find out how you and NICU staff can work together to give your baby the best care possible.
