Can premature babies take a bath?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
After birth, premature infants are often covered with vernix caseosa or secretions. If left on the skin surface for prolonged periods, these substances can promote bacterial growth and pose certain health risks. When a newborn's condition is relatively stable, appropriate bathing can help prevent skin disorders and support healthy growth and development. However, frequent bathing should be avoided, as premature infants have particularly delicate skin, and excessive bathing may cause varying degrees of harm to their bodies.
Preterm infants can be bathed after birth if their overall health condition is normal, but bathing should not be done too frequently.
Both preterm and full-term infants have vernix caseosa or other secretions on their skin at birth. If left on the skin surface for prolonged periods, these substances may promote bacterial growth and pose certain health risks. Therefore, timely skin cleansing helps create a healthier environment for the baby. Appropriate bathing, when the infant's physical condition is stable, can help prevent skin disorders and support healthy growth and development. However, frequent bathing should be avoided because preterm infants have delicate and vulnerable skin; excessive bathing may cause varying degrees of harm and, in severe cases, negatively affect their growth and development.
When bathing newborns, it is important to adjust the water temperature properly. Do not rely on subjective sensation to judge warmth; instead, use a thermometer to measure the water temperature scientifically. Caregivers should also pay attention to the gentleness of washing. After bathing, the infant's body should be thoroughly dried and proper warming measures taken to prevent chilling or catching a cold.
