Abstract
Delaying newborn bathing beyond 24 hours aligns with the WHO guidelines on newborn care, and is beneficial to neonatal outcomes:
- Potential to improve several key outcomes of extrauterine stabilization and breastfeeding.
- Reduces neonatal hypothermia and hypoglycemia.
- Increases prevalence of breastfeeding rates.
Studies reported mixed results regarding the significance of these outcomes; however, data favors the practice of delayed infant bathing. Further research is warranted to address limitations and gaps in research.
By implementing delayed newborn bathing, healthcare providers have the potential to improve the overall health outcomes of the infant and support wellbeing.
Included in
Delaying the Newborn Bath for Twenty-Four Hours
Delaying newborn bathing beyond 24 hours aligns with the WHO guidelines on newborn care, and is beneficial to neonatal outcomes:
- Potential to improve several key outcomes of extrauterine stabilization and breastfeeding.
- Reduces neonatal hypothermia and hypoglycemia.
- Increases prevalence of breastfeeding rates.
Studies reported mixed results regarding the significance of these outcomes; however, data favors the practice of delayed infant bathing. Further research is warranted to address limitations and gaps in research.
By implementing delayed newborn bathing, healthcare providers have the potential to improve the overall health outcomes of the infant and support wellbeing.