Swaddled bathing helps to support baby in the bath in NICU
and at home.
It assists them to:
» stay calm and focused
» conserve energy to use for feeding and growing
» makes the experience more enjoyable and relaxing
1. Get everything you need ready for changing and dressing
and place on change table. Fill the bath, undress your baby
and swaddle.
2. To swaddle, bring one hand at a time to the midline (under
the chin) and pull cloth over the shoulder and down to the
opposite hip. Tuck in by gently rolling baby.
3. On the change table, use a muslin dipped in the bath water
to wash their head, face, under their chin, armpits and groin
area – work around the swaddle and keep talking gently to
your baby.
4. Once washed, slowly lower your swaddled baby into the
bath – tell them what’s happening.
Swaddled (wrapped) bath for baby:
Swaddled (wrapped) bath for baby:
5. If they are unsettled, position them
touching the side or end of the bath
so they can feel a boundary and
feel safer.
6. Once they are relaxed you can
try gently releasing one or
both sides of the swaddle if
they seem settled. Monitor their
reaction and adjust as needed.
7. To bring them out, slowly unwrap
and leave the swaddle in the water.
Move your hand behind the baby’s shoulders and hold their
opposite upper arm. Your other hand will firmly
support their hands in the midline.
8. As you li them out, slowly roll them over onto their tummy.
This will help their arms and head fall forwards, keeping
baby settled.
9. Place them on the towel, lying on their side and wrap up.
This position drops their arms and hands into the middle of
their chest which is most soothing and calming for them.
10. Once dry, dress your baby. Use gentle rolling (with hands
supported in the middle) rather than liing to dress them.
This helps develop the balance part of their brain.
Watch our swaddled bath video from our website by scanning
the QR code or go to www.cdhb.health.nz/swaddledbathing
Talking and singing to your baby at bath time helps
develop their brain
Ref: 2407374 June 2022 Authoriser: Clinical Director Neonatal Services
