Bathing in pediatrics is more than just hygiene—it’s a chance to assess skin integrity, promote comfort, and support bonding, especially in infants and young children. Here’s a structured guide based on best practices:
Bathing by Age Group
| Age Group | Bathing Method |
|---|---|
| Newborns (0–4 weeks) | Sponge bath or immersion bath after 24 hours of birth; use plain water only. |
| Infants (1–12 months) | Sponge or tub bath; support head and neck; check water temp (around 37°C). |
| Toddlers | Bathe at bedside or in a tub; allow play with water toys; never leave unattended. |
| School-age & Adolescents | Shower or tub bath; ensure privacy and assess for safety and skin conditions. |
Special Considerations
Infants
Use a sponge bath or tub bath to bathe young infants who cannot sit unaided. Support the infant’s body at all times. Ensure appropriate water temperature. Avoid use of talcum powder.
Toddler
Bathe older infants and toddlers at the bedside or in a regular bathtub depending on their health condition.
School-age Children and Adolescents
Older children may prefer a shower if available and acceptable for their health condition.
Assess whether a shower would be safe and provide privacy.
General Instructions
- Adhere to safety principles to prevent falls, burns, and aspiration of water.
- Never leave a child alone in a bathtub.
- Use a gentle, pH-balanced soap with moisturizer if there is a need to rehydrate the skin.
- Note any condition that might require special consideration or further assessment, such as paralysis, loss of sensation, surgical intravenous lines on/ cast, external lines (intravenous lines, urinary catheter, or feeding tube) or other alteration in skin integrity.
- Pay special attention to the ears, between skinfolds, the neck, the back, and the genital area for alterations in skin integrity.
Equipment Needed (for Sponge Bath)
A trolley containing:
- Two jugs with hot and cold water
- Bath towels
- Sponge clothes (soft)
- Basin
- Mild alkaline soap
- Bath thermometer
- Kidney tray
- Clothing
- Comb
- Talcum powder (older child)
- Bucket
- Bath blanket
Preparation
- Explain the procedure to the child and the parents as appropriate.
- Check the doctor’s order for any special
instructions. - Assess the skin condition of the child for any changes in color, ulcer, etc.
- Allow the child to play in bathwater with water toys.
- Make sure that the room is warm without draught (75°F).
- Provide privacy.
Procedure
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Mix hot and cold water in a basin.
- Check the temperature of the water.
- Undress the baby.
- Place the baby (if small) on a thick bath towel.
- Keep the child covered with a towel or bath blanket.
- Start with baby’s face: use one moistened, clean cotton ball to wipe each eye from inner to outer canthus.
- Wash the rest of the face with a soft, moist washcloth without soap.
- Clean the outside folds of the ears with a soft washcloth.
- Add a small amount of baby soap to the washcloth and gently bathe the rest of the body from neck down.
- Uncover only one area at a time.
- Rinse with a clean washcloth.
- Wrap the child with dry towel.
- Put on dress.
Post procedure Care
- Comb the hair.
- Apply talcum powder if not contraindicated
- Praise the child for cooperation.
- Replace the articles.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Document the procedure in the nurse’s record.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Marcia London, Ruth Bindler, Principles of Paediatric Nursing: Caring for Children, 8th Edition, 2023, Pearson Publications, ISBN-13: 9780136859840
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
Stories are the threads that bind us; through them, we understand each other, grow, and heal.
JOHN NOORD
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