Ms. Minako Kido, RNM, MHSc, Graduate of Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health
The variety of national standard care for routine bathing of newborns has not been considered in recent research on neonatal skin care. However, no study has yet identified each country’s standard care and associated factors with it. To describe national standard care for newborn bathing and its influential factors, a global survey was conducted using a web-based questionnaire. As a result, care standards for newborn bathing from 46 countries were identified. Newborns were bathed with warm water in a tub in most countries. Bathing frequency, moisturization, and use of soap/cleanser varied by country. Standard newborn bathing care was associated with external factors such as climate. More consideration should be given to the differences in standard care for newborn bathing between countries when interpreting existing studies and conducting future studies on neonatal skin care.
Access the full paper here: http://doi.org/10.1111/jjns.12558
