Delaying the first bath

Research on delaying the newborn's first bath looks at how timing relates to breastfeeding, body temperature and blood sugar. Studies examine the effects of delayed bathing on breastfeeding, hypothermia and hypoglycemia, a pilot study from Lebanon asks whether any timing is preferred, and others look at delaying the first bath in relation to exclusive breastfeeding.

Other papers look at specific groups and methods. A randomized trial and a published protocol examine delayed first baths and skin barrier function, including transepidermal water loss, in late preterm infants. An organization-wide initiative describes parent-performed, delayed immersion bathing, another trial looked at the timing of moisturizer after the bath, and a review covers perinatal baths and their indications. A systematic review of early bathing practice in Ethiopia and a survey of health professionals' knowledge and attitudes describe what is done and thought in practice.

Parents often ask when the first bath happens, who gives it, whether the vernix should be left alone and how bathing affects feeding and warmth. The research continues to look at timing and methods, and results vary by population.

An educator may want slides to explain what the studies measured and to reflect that hospital routines differ. The papers below are the ones the Hub tracks on this topic.