Update on Newborn Bathing

The skin, along with other organ systems, makes rapid changes as the newborn moves from an intrauterine aquatic environment to an extrauterine atmospheric environment. Some of these changes include the development of an acid mantle and an increase in skin hydration.While skin care and bathing practices have traditionally been based on the patient’s culture, regional customs and anecdotal experience, recent evidence-based recommendations have been made and will be presented in this article (AWHONN, 2013). Hopefully, with further research and the incorporation of evidence-based recommendations into skin care of the infant, we will see improved skin health and a decrease in skin disease in infancy and childhood.