Effects of sponge bath and swaddle bath applied in the neonatal intensive care unit on neonatal comfort: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Bathing is an essential part of newborn care and may influence physiological stability, stress levels, and overall comfort. This study aimed to compare the effects of sponge bathing and swaddle bathing on newborn comfort and physiological responses.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a tertiary hospital in Izmir, Turkey, between March and September 2024. A total of 71 term, physiologically stable newborns without contraindications for bathing were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the swaddle bath group (n = 35) or the sponge bath group (n = 36) using block randomization. Physiological parameters (pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature) and newborn comfort levels were assessed using the COMFORT Neo Scale at three time points: before the bath, 10 min after, and 1 h after bathing. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests, chi-square tests, and post hoc power analysis in SPSS version 26.

RESULTS

Ten minutes after bathing, the swaddle bath group showed significantly lower mean pulse rates (140.91 ± 9.99 vs. 148.52 ± 14.66; p < 0.05) and higher oxygen saturation (p = 0.001) compared to the sponge bath group. While pre-bath and 10-min post-bath comfort scores were similar between groups, restlessness (p < 0.001) and pain scores (p = 0.004) were significantly lower in the swaddle bath group.

CONCLUSION

The swaddle bath technique is more effective than the sponge bath method in supporting physiological stability and enhancing newborn comfort.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Incorporating the swaddle bath method into NICU care protocols may improve the quality and comfort of neonatal care practices.