Doctor J.B. Bertrand
Hospital Paediatrician
It is enough to observe a "swaddle bath" carried out in good conditions to be convinced of its benefits compared to a traditional bath.
More and more maternity hospitals are practising this technique for the first baths, which consists of "holding" the newborn in complete safety so that he or she can "gather" more easily and find sensations close to those in the womb, thus reducing crying and stress.
The prestigious Stanford University in Californiaencourages the use of wrapping methods, with all appropriate safety guidelines being strictly adhered to, (https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=newborn-senses-90-P02631).
There are also numerous articles in specialised magazines (not exhaustive list below), highlighting the benefits of baths with wraps such as :
- more stable body temperature,
- more stable heart rate,
- more stable oxygen saturation,
- decreased crying frequency,
- reduced stress levels for both the newborn and the person giving the bath.
Therefore, more and more maternity wards and neonatology departments are now implementing "swaddle bath" protocols for newborns.
- Effects of swaddled and traditional tub bathing methods on crying and physiological responses of newborns. Caka SY and al. J Spec Pediatr Nurs 2018 Jan.
- Effects of Swaddled and Sponge Bathing Methods on Signs of Stress and Pain in Premature Newborns: Implications for Evidence-Based Practice. Ceylan SS and al. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs 2018 Aug.
- Bathing a Premature Infant in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review. Fernandez D and al. J Pediatr Nurs 2018 Sept.
- Comparing the effects of swaddled and conventional bathing methods on body temperature and crying duration in premature infants: a randomized clinical trial. Edraki M and al. J Caring Sci 2014 Jun.