Bathing the baby
Bathing should be avoided immediately after birth. Ensure before giving bath that temperature is normal. Preferably, give bath to normal baby on second day in summer. In winter bathing may be avoided for several days. Postpone bath till next day in term baby ; no bath to babies who are sick / admitted in nursery ; Small &/or LBW baby- postpone till cord falls or preferably till weight is 2.5 kg .
The nurse or attendant should follow the instructions for bathing as given below.
• Use warm room and warm water.
• Bathe quickly and gently.
• Dry quickly and thoroughly from head to toe.
• Wrap in a warm, dry towel.
• Dress and wrap infant, use a cap on the head.
• Place infant close to mother.