Explanation
•The infant's vital signs should be stable to prevent complications.
•The baby's body temperature should be at least 36.5° C (97.7° F) and the sponge bath should be given under a radiant heat source to prevent excessive heat loss.
•Gloves should be worn when assessing or caring for a newborn before the first bath to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Standard Precautions require handwashing before any infant care, but gloves are to be worn if there is
•Medicated soap and scrubbing can irritate the infant's skin and cause abrasions.
•The nurse does not need to wait until the infant's first void.