A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a new parent about bathing her newborn. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

Rationale: A. "Perform sponge baths until the baby's umbilical cord falls off.": This is the appropriate instruction because keeping the umbilical stump dry reduces the risk of infection and promotes natural detachment. Sponge baths help prevent water from soaking the cord area until it fully heals and separates. B. "Use an alkaline soap to bathe the baby.": Alkaline soaps can irritate a newborn’s sensitive skin by disrupting the natural acidic pH balance. Mild, pH-neutral or hypoallergenic baby cleansers are recommended to maintain skin integrity. C. "Ensure the bath water is at least 96 degrees Fahrenheit.": Bath water should be warm, around 98.6°F (37°C), which is close to body temperature. Setting a minimum like 96°F may be too low and uncomfortable, while overheating the water poses a burn risk. D. "Apply talcum powder daily after bathing in order to prevent diaper rash.": Talcum powder is not recommended due to the risk of respiratory irritation if inhaled. Preventing diaper rash is better achieved through frequent diaper changes and the use of barrier creams.