12.11.5: Procedure- Infant Bath
Infant bathing is an important task for the Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide. Infants should be bathed at least once per day, and according to the Care Plan. Never leave a baby unattended during a bath, not even for one minute. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides must always support the baby’s head and neck with one hand, while using their other hand to wash the baby.
Remember, babies are unable to regulate their own body temperature. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should always ensure they keep the baby covered whenever possible, and immediately after their bath, wrap a towel or blanket around them.
- Wash your hands.
- Gather all supplies needed (baby wash, baby shampoo, baby lotion, bath linens, clean basin or infant tub bath, clean diaper, powder/ointment/cream). Always have your supplies nearby. Never leave a baby unattended during a bath .
- Ensure the temperature of the room is warm. Prepare the bath water to the correct temperature.
- Wash your hands. Don gloves during diapering and bathing.
- Bring the baby to the bath area.
- Place the baby on a blanket or towel. Undress the baby.
- Lower the baby gently into the water. Support the baby’s head and neck at all times. One hand will always be holding the baby while you will wash the baby with the other hand.
- With a warm, wet washcloth (do not use soap), gently wipe the baby’s eyes, using a clean area of the washcloth for each eye. Clean from the inner corner of the eye (the side closest to the nose) to the outer corner (the side closest to the baby’s ear). Then clean the rest of the baby’s face. Pat the baby’s face dry.
- Use a warm, wet washcloth to wet the baby’s hair. Be careful to not let water or shampoo get into the baby’s eyes. With a small amount of baby wash or shampoo, lather the baby’s hair. Rinse with a warm, wet washcloth. Pat the baby’s head dry completely.
- Wash the baby from neck to feet using a small amount of baby wash and a washcloth. When washing a female baby’s genitals, wash from front to back. Rinse completely. Wash the baby’s bottom thoroughly. Rinse completely.
- Remove the baby from the bath and cover her with a towel. Pat the outside of the towel gently to dry the baby. Babies are unable to regulate their own body temperature. Always ensure the baby is kept warm and covered.
- Apply powder, ointment, lotions, and creams as directed on the Care Plan.
- Diaper and dress the baby.
- Provide nail care if directed.
- Place the baby in a safe place, such as in her crib.
- Clean and store all equipment used. Discard dirty diapers and linens appropriately.
- Remove gloves and wash your hands.
- Document the procedure and any observations or changes in condition.