A qualitative study exploring women's and health professionals' views of newborn bathing practices

Background: Over the last decade, health professionals have debated the relative merits and potential harms of various neonatal bathing practices. Two schools of thought exist - those that support the use of water alone, and those who believe that bathing products offer some benefit. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence on which to inform practice or advise new parents. 

Objective: The purposes of this study were two-fold: first, to gain insight into current practices and beliefs related to newborn bathing, and secondly, to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of wash products versus water alone. 

Design: A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews. The authors purposively sampled and interviewed 20 midwives, ten health visitors and 26 women. For some of the latter group (n=22), data were collected longitudinally. Data were analysed thematically. 

Setting: A large teaching hospital in the north west of England. Results: The overarching theme was 'informed uncertainty'. Three sub-themes were also identified, 'mirage of evidence', 'toeing the party line' and 'influential marketing'. 

Conclusion: There is confusion around the evidence base of newborn bathing practices. As a consequence, women and health professionals draw on tradition, experience and opinion to inform practice. There was some nervousness around industry-funded trials, nevertheless, there was general agreement that a robust, investigator-led RCT of a baby wash product versus water alone was required.