Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Tub bathing improves thermoregulation of the late preterm infant
Cynthia Loring1, Katherine Gregory2, Barbara Gargan1
1Center for Women and Newborns, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA.
Objective:
To compare body temperature of the late preterm infant after 24 hours of life at three time points before and after immersion tub bathing or sponge bathing. We hypothesized that late preterm infants achieve significantly improved thermoregulation when bathed by immersion tub bath compared to traditional sponge bathing.
Design:
This study was a randomized controlled trial.
Setting:
A large metropolitan teaching hospital in the northeastern United States.
Population:
Late preterm infants (100) born between 35 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation, bathed in the well-baby nursery of a 30-bed mother/baby unit.
Methods:
Infant participants were identified and informed consent was obtained from the parent. Infants were randomized into two groups: 50 bathed by sponge and 50 bathed by immersion tub. Infant body temperature was measured at three time points: 10 minutes prior to bathing, 10 minutes following bathing, and 30 minutes following bathing.
Results:
Infants who were tub bathed experienced significantly less variability in body temperature and overall were warmer 10 minutes and 30 minutes following the bath compared to infants who were sponge bathed (p = .024).
Conclusion:
The study findings support the hypothesis that late preterm infants who are tub bathed experience significantly less body temperature variability and an overall higher body temperature following the bathing procedure.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Decreased Body Temperature
Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Thermoregulation
Methods of reducing fever
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Thermosensation

