BABY BATH ( LAP/LEG BATH)

Definition: Bathing the baby by placing on the legs in a home setting which is the traditional
method used in bathing a baby at home in rural communities.
Purposes:
 To clean the baby off dirt and bacteria.
 To increase elimination through the skin
 To stimulate circulation
 To regulate body temperature
 To induce sleep
 To promote comfort to the baby.
Articles required:
Hot water
Tap water/ Tepid water
Buckets -2
Mug -1
Towels -2
Mild soap /Baby soap
Hair oil
Cotton balls - 3 or 4
Cotton buds / wisps -1
Kidney tray -1
Thermo meter (clinical) – 1
Disinfectant
Clean cloths
Low stool
Apron -1
Procedure:
Nursing Actions Rational
1: Follow the Bag technique and hand washing Prevents transmission of infection.
procedure step 1 – 5 steps.

2: Collect articles from the community bag,

that are needed for bath like Thermometer, To get ready for the procedure.
Cotton balls, Disinfectant, Kidney tray and
apron & Place the articles on the clean surface.

3: Collect the articles from the mother as clean

cloths, towels, baby soap, hair oil, low stool,
buckets and hot water.

4: Wear the apron and wash hands & check the Protects the uniform from soiling and
temperature of the baby (auxiliary temperature checking help to know the body
temperature). temperature of the baby.

5: Mix hot and tap/ tepid water in the bucket Maintain the temperature of the water between
and undress the baby. 90 -100o F to prevent hypothermia.

6: Swaddle wraps the baby and remove bindi/ Prevents hypothermia.

kajal by using hair oil.
7: Sit on the low stool with knees flexed. Clean
the nostrils and ears of the baby using cotton Avoid chances of injury to mucous membrane
buds and wipe the eyes from inner canthus to and no soap is used on face.
outer canthus using cotton balls (1 cotton ball
for one eye).

8: Hold the baby with the non dominant hand To prevent the baby from slip down.
and using the dominant hand to pour the water
on scalp and apply soap/ mild shampoo on To clean the head.
your palm.

9: Wet the hair and apply soap gently over the Prevent entry of water and infection.
scalp and rinse with water thoroughly. While
pouring water over the head close the ears of
the baby with your thumb and middle finger.

10: Wipe and dry the hair immediately by Prevent hypothermia.

using another towel.

11: Unwrap the baby and place over your

extended legs with baby facing upward
(suypine).

12:Support the baby with your non dominant To avoid chances of baby putting soapy fingers
hand and use your dominant hand to pour in mouth.
water and apply soap on the body. Note:Avoid
applying soap over the palms and soles of the
baby .

13: Apply soap over the dorsal surface of the These areas more soil areas because of
baby by paying more attention to the neck, excessive sweating.
axilla, groin and genetallia and wash off with
water.

14: Place the baby facing (prone) downward

over your legs and ensure head is turned to one Which will promote the comfort of the baby.
side.

15: Apply soap over the back, buttocks and These areas are more contaminated.
legs with paying more attention over the
gluteal folds and pour water & wash off soap.

16: Dry the baby by using dry towel and put on Promotes comfort for the baby.
the clean cloths& swaddle wrap the baby.

17: Hand over the baby to the mother and ask

for breast feeding the baby.

18: Wash hands and replace the articles.

Prepared by : Mrs. Sujatha.J Lecturer.