Child Development

Sponge & Tub Bathing

-A Bath is good at any time except after eating.

-Newborns need a sponge bath for 2 weeks until naval has healed.

-Always give proper attention to baby while bathing for the baby's safety

-Items needed: Two soft bath towels, a soft washcloth, a diaper, mild soap, and baby shampoo.

-Room temperature should range between 70-80F

-Choose a room with a good work surface.

-Place a small bath towel over work place for baby's safety and comfort.

-Test water temperature with elbow for sponge bathing, temperature should feel luke warm 98F

-Wash baby's face with a soft was cloth.

-Always pat dry, never rub towel.

-Wash one area at a time, rinse thoroughly

-Not necessary to clean inside of baby's mouth, eyes, or nose.

-Never use cotton swabs, due to babies move frequently and may cause injury.

-Apply baby powder or lotion to baby after a bath-But is not necessary

-Once the navel has healed, the baby can be bathed in a tub.

-Never leave the baby alone during the bath.

-Keep the baby seated in the tub, standing or climbing may lead to falls.

-Always check water with wrist or elbow before bath.

-Keep babies away from faucets, which are hard & sharp & may be hot.

-Don't let the baby drink the bath water or suck on the washcloth.

Dressing The Baby

-Provides extra time for strokes, pats, hugs & kisses

-Also good time for songs, simple rhymes, naming parts of the body, or articles of clothing.

-Sometimes you may find a capable baby hard to dress, so distract with a toy to make dressing a little easier.

-When buying clothes get knit fabrics to prevent irritation.

-Pullover Garments have a stretchable neck opening. If the neck is small follow these steps.

-Gather garment into a loop & slip over the back of the baby's head.

-Stretch the garment while bringing down, and avoid contact with the face so that the baby does not feel smothered.

-Pull baby's fist through arm holes, and button up garment.

-To put on an open front shirt lay baby face down so they may feel secure.

-Open shirt & lay on baby's back.

-Gently turn the baby face up so shirt is underneath.

-Gently put the baby's arms through the sleeves.

-To put on a one piece garment with feet it is easier if buttons or zipper go from neck to toes.

-Start at bottom; put baby's leg on side without zipper or buttons, into the garment leg, repeat with other leg.

-Roll the baby onto one side & pull the garment under the baby's shoulders.

-Gently pull the sleeves over the baby's arms.

-Finish by zipping or snapping the garments closed.

Diapering The Baby

-Items needed: Diapers, wet washcloth, soft tissue, cotton, baby oil. (Keep near a sturdy, padded surface)

-Newborn: Wets in little amount don't require changing each time.

-Very young baby: diaper change 12-15 times a day.

-Older baby: Fewer diaper changes.

-Time for interaction: Sing or hum, talk to the baby.

-Never leave baby alone.

-Always keep hand on baby.

-Remove diaper & clean baby: Wet diaper = clean with cotton + baby oil; bowel movement = use soft tissue, wash with washcloth, apply baby oil.

-Put on fresh diaper: Hold