A newborn is being discharged at age 48 hours. The parents ask how the newborn should be bathed this first week home. How should the nurse recommend to bathe the newborn?

Question

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The newborn newborn's skin has a pH of approximately 5. This acidic pH has a bacteriostatic effect. The parents should be taught to use only plain warm water for the bath and to bathe the child no more than two or three times a week for the first 2 weeks. Soaps are alkaline. They will alter the acid mantle of the child's skin, providing a medium for bacterial growth.

A Newborn Is Being Discharged at Age 48 Hours