The Effects of Dressing up Preterm Infants After Tub Bathing on Moisture Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: The skin of the preterm newborn plays an important role in adapting the newborn to the environment after birth. This was designed as a randomised controlled experimental trial in order to determine the effect of dressing after tub bathing on loss of skin moisture in healthy preterm infants. Methods: The population of the study consisted of the infants who were born between 33,0-36,6 weeks of gestation. Skin moisture (forehead, abdomen, back, arm, leg) and body temperature measurements of the infants before bathing, immediately after bathing, and 10, 20, 30, and 60th minutes after bathing were assessed. Results: It was determined that while the moisture was kept and increased in the experimental group, moisture loss occurred in the control group. The infants in both groups had heat loss after the bathing. Conclusion: It was determined that the skin moisture and body temperature of the experimental group infants were affected positively.