First bathing time of newborn infants after birth: A comparative analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The study was designed as an experimental study to describe the effect of the first bathing time on the body temperature and skin moisture of a newborn after birth.

Design and methods: The study population consisted of term newborns between January and June 2016 in the Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Hospital at Istanbul. The sample group was randomly divided into two groups according to different bathing times. The first group (39 infants) was given a bath 24 hr after birth, and the second group (34 infants) was given a bath 48 hr after birth. The infants in both the groups were dried with the first towel and then wrapped in a second dry towel, and a cap put to prevent hypothermia and to minimize any minor fluid loss. The body temperature and skin moisture level were measured before the bath, after the bath, and 10 min after the bath.

Results: It was determined that the 10th-minute body temperatures of the infants with the first bathing time 48 hr after birth were significantly higher compared with the infants with the first bath time 24 hr after birth (Z = -2.654; p = .008).

Practical implications: Postponing of the first bathing time of newborns to 48 hr after birth was effective in preserving the body temperature of the infant. Postponing the bath to the 48th hr improved moisture, which may improve skin integrity and aid with skin development.

Keywords: baths; body temperature; infant; newborn; skin.