How to Give a Newborn a Sponge Bath — Correct Step-by-Step Method

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video explains the correct method of giving a sponge bath to small babies, step by step. Steps covered in the video: Prepare – take lukewarm water in a bucket or a bowl, and lay the baby on a soft cotton towel. Direction of cleaning – clean the baby starting from the head down to the feet, from top to bottom. Face – take a cotton wash cloth, dip it in water and clean the baby's face with plain water only. Eyes – to clean the eyes, take a cotton cloth or cotton ball, dip it in clean water, and wipe from the inner side towards the outer side. Body, part by part – uncover only the part of the body you are cleaning at that time. Clean the neck, then the chest, then the back, then the hands, then the legs, and the genitals last. Skin folds – while cleaning, pay attention to the folds — the fold under the neck, the folds between the legs, and the folds in the palms. Milk often collects in the neck folds, which can cause infection in the baby, so cleaning there is very important. Genitals – clean the genitals last, always with a movement from front to back. Drying and dressing – finally, pat dry the baby with a towel — do not rub — and after drying, put on fresh clothes and a diaper. Relevant for: new parents learning how to bathe a newborn safely; parents asking about sponge bath vs regular bath for small babies; parents wanting to know the correct water temperature, order of cleaning, and how to clean a baby's face and eyes; parents dealing with milk collecting in the neck folds or skin fold infections; parents asking how to clean a baby's genitals correctly; and parents wanting to know how to dry a baby's skin without irritation. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every baby is different — please consult your pediatrician if your baby has a rash, skin infection, an unhealed umbilical stump, or any other skin concern.