Routine Care of the Neonatal Unit

 To maintain the newborn’s hygiene and prevent diaper rash and infections.

Required Supplies:

 Ensure all necessary supplies for changing the diaper are within reach, including:

- Several large cotton pads soaked in warm water

- Several large dry cotton pads

- A clean diaper

- Zinc oxide cream or rash treatment cream, if needed

- Latex gloves

- Sterile under pad

- Waste bin with red biohazard bag

Procedure:

- Wash hands routinely.

- Prepare all necessary tools.

- Undo the adhesive tape of the diaper.

- Put on gloves.

- Hold the newborn by the feet and lift the pelvic area; remove the diaper and observe the urine and stool for color, odor, and quantity.

- Inspect the diaper area for signs of inflammation, redness, or discharge.

- Use a warm wet cotton pad to clean the genital area **from front to back**, toward the anus.

- For female infants, pay special attention to cleaning between the labia.

- For uncircumcised males, gently retract the foreskin and clean underneath carefully to prevent adhesions—this should be done daily.

- Use another wet cotton pad to clean the skin folds in the diaper area of any remaining discharge.

- Dry the skin thoroughly using a dry cotton pad.

- Apply protective or rash treatment creams if necessary.

- Fold the used diaper inward with the soiled side inside and secure it with the tape before disposing of it in the red biohazard bag.

- Put on a clean diaper and secure it gently with the adhesive tape, avoiding pressure on the infant’s abdomen or thighs.

- Change the bed linen if needed.

- Remove gloves and wash hands routinely.

- Wrap the infant and place them back in their bed.