2torial #0495:
Learn2 Bathe an Infant (continued)

Prepare for a sponge bath

A sponge bath is actually more like a washcloth rubdown. Here's what you'll need:

• A pillow that's a little larger than your baby (a regular bed pillow should work)

• Two fresh baby towels

• Two washcloths

• Baby soap

• Some fresh cotton balls

• A fresh diaper

• A baby blanket or a fresh set of clothes

• A large bowl of warm (90 to 98F, 32 to 36C) water. It's very important that the water be warm, not hot. Temperatures that you might be used to can hurt a baby. To make sure you have the right temperature, touch the inside of your wrist to the water--it should feel comfortable, and not at all surprising.

Note: Although you can buy shampoo specially made for newborns, baby soap works just fine--this goes for regular bathing as well.

Once you've gathered your materials, choose an area where you can work easily, without too much bending over. A kitchen counter or dining room table works well. Also, the area should be warm and free of drafts, since babies can easily become chilled when wet. Lay one of the towels over the pillow, set your bathing items within arm's reach, put your baby on the toweled pillow, and you're ready to clean.